Former Arsenal man Thomas Partey now set to join new club

Thomas Partey has completed a medical for a new club, after his contract expired at The Emirates this summer.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal after undergoing a medical with the Spanish club. The 32-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract that will run until 2027.

Partey became a free agent following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June. The Ghana international made 130 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and providing six assists during his four-year stay in North London.

The opportunity to continue playing Champions League football proved decisive in Partey’s decision to move to Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine secured their place in next season’s Champions League after finishing fifth in LaLiga, only behind Athletic Club on goal difference.

Arsenal originally signed Partey from Atlético Madrid for £45 million in October 2020, making him the most expensive Ghanaian player in history at the time. His tenure at the Emirates was marked by injury struggles, with the midfielder missing significant periods through various fitness issues.

However, the 2024/25 season saw improved availability from Partey, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praising his consistency and describing his availability as ‘exceptional’ during the campaign.

The midfielder had been in talks over remaining at Arsenal, but the two parties could not reach an agreement on contract terms, and the Gunners made the decision to part ways with Partey just days before his contract expiring.

Days later, Partey was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all charges and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

The day after Partey is due to appear in court, his new side is set to face his former club, Arsenal, in a pre-season friendly at The Emirates.