The summer of 2025 marked a significant transition in the midfield at Arsenal FC as Ghanaian international Thomas Partey concluded his five-year tenure with the club.
His departure, a result of a contract expiration and a breakdown in extension talks, saw him move to La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer in August 2025.
The move brought an end to a period that saw moments of brilliance from the midfielder, alongside persistent injury struggles and, ultimately, serious off-field legal issues that cast a shadow over his final months in North London.
Contract Talks Reach an Impasse
The primary driver behind Partey’s exit was the failure to agree on new contract terms. The midfielder’s contract was set to expire on June 30, 2025, and while both the player’s representatives and the club engaged in discussions, a mutually agreeable deal never materialised.
Reports indicated that Arsenal made a competitive offer, but the 32-year-old, seeking what could be his final major contract, desired higher wages and greater assurances of playing time, which did not align with the club’s long-term strategy. The club, in turn, was wary of offering a lucrative, long-term deal to a player with a history of injuries and who would be moving past his prime.
Arsenal’s decision-making was also influenced by their recruitment strategy, as they actively pursued replacements. The Gunners had long been linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and eventually moved to sign him, alongside Christian Nørgaard from Brentford, signaling a planned refresh of their midfield options irrespective of the outcome of Partey’s negotiations.
The Weight of Off-Field Issues
Beyond the contractual disagreements, the ongoing legal situation involving Partey became an unavoidable backdrop to his departure. In July 2025, shortly after his contract expired, it was publicly announced that Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between April 2021 and June 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player.
While Partey consistently denied all allegations and welcomed the opportunity to clear his name, the situation led to intense scrutiny of both the player and the club’s handling of the matter. Arsenal maintained they followed all correct legal procedures and adhered to police advice, allowing Partey to continue playing while under investigation.
However, the controversy and the potential for a lengthy legal process, with a trial date set for November 2026, undoubtedly contributed to a complicated environment surrounding his future at the club.
A Return to Spain with Villarreal
In August 2025, Partey finalised a move to Villarreal on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. A return to La Liga, where he previously excelled with Atlético Madrid, was reportedly his preferred destination, and the opportunity to play Champions League football was a key factor in his decision.
For Arsenal fans, Partey’s exit closes a chapter on a player who, when fit, offered a unique blend of technical skill, strength, and experience to Mikel Arteta’s side, making 167 appearances and playing a crucial role in their recent title challenges.
The departure was a pragmatic decision by the club’s hierarchy, driven by a desire for squad evolution and an unwillingness to meet high wage demands for an ageing player, even as the off-field legal issues added a layer of complexity and public debate to the situation.