Partey speaks out on Arsenal future after being put on free transfer list

Thomas Partey sees his Arsenal contract expire this summer and was surprisingly named on the list of players granted a free transfer by the Gunners ahead of the summer window

Thomas Partey insists he is not in control of his future after being surprisingly ‘released’ by Arsenal. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder’s contract expires this summer.

Arsenal have already announced that he is among the players currently granted a free transfer by the club. But they remain in dialogue over potentially extending his stay on North London.

Partey has now spoken and suggested that he is prioritising his own happiness as he attempts to come to a decision over his future, albeit his agent is taking control.

Speaking to 3Sports, the Ghanaian said: “I think the first thing is where are you happy and where do you feel at home. At the end of the day you’ve been in football, you’ve been in different teams.

“Then it’s about what is your next objective what do you want to achieve next. You still have to look at all this and at the end of the day we all have a family that needs money, this is our mind.

“We are not getting younger. There are a lot of things where you have to look now with a family, where you want them to be happy. When you are young you just play anywhere.

“I’m an Arsenal fan, I can’t decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.”

Mikel Arteta has already shared his thoughts on Partey, and claimed last month that he still had a crucial role to play. He said: "Yeah. In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season.

“I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional, and he’s a really important player for us.”

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Arsenal signed Partey for £45m from Atletico Madrid back in 2020 and the now 31-year-old has gone on to make 167 appearances for the North London club in all competitions and has scored nine goals.

Arsenal have already made tweaks to their midfield ahead of next season. Ex-Chelsea star Jorginho has departed the club and sealed a move to Brazilian side Flamengo. The Gunners are expected to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi as a replacement despite late interest from Real Madrid.

Arteta’s side are anticipated to pay more than the £51m release clause written into his deal in Spain. And once that move is completed, he will be reunited with former teammate Mikel Merino, who also made a switch to the Emirates Stadium last summer.