Arsenal do not renew Thomas Partey’s contract, who is expected to join La Liga’s Villarreal
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has joined Villarreal on a free transfer after the Gunners chose not to renew his contract, which expired on July 1, 2025. The 31-year-old Ghanaian will return to La Liga, signing a two-year deal with the Spanish club.
Partey Signs Two-Year Deal with Villarreal
According to journalist David Ornstein, Partey has agreed to join Marcelino García Toral’s squad, where he is expected to play a key role in the club’s midfield. Villarreal see his physical style and tactical versatility as a strong fit for their system heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
Though valued at €14 million (R$89.9 million) by Transfermarkt, Arsenal allowed the player to leave without a transfer fee, ending a five-year stint in North London.
Arsenal Loses €50M Investment for Free
Partey joined Arsenal in October 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a €50 million deal, becoming one of the club’s marquee signings under Mikel Arteta. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his time in the Premier League, limiting his impact despite flashes of brilliance.
His exit marks the end of a significant chapter and a financial loss for the Gunners, who received no compensation for a player once considered central to their midfield rebuild.
Partey Returns to Familiar Ground in Spain
The move to Villarreal represents a return to familiar territory for Partey, who previously made 163 appearances for Atlético Madrid, scoring 16 goals and adding 7 assists. He was widely regarded as one of La Liga’s most complete midfielders before his departure to England.
Profile: A Modern, Physical Midfielder
Known for his defensive strength, game reading, and ball progression, Partey offers a combination of physical dominance and technical quality. Comfortable as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, he thrives under pressure, contributes to transitions, and brings leadership on and off the field.
Villarreal are betting on those qualities to boost their ambitions domestically and in European competitions next season.
