Thomas Partey Set for Free Transfer Return to Former Club After £45M Arsenal Move

• Thomas Partey is reportedly on the verge of a free transfer return to Atletico Madrid, five years after leaving the club for Arsenal in a £45 million deal
• With his contract set to expire this summer and no renewal in sight, Atletico are keen to bring him back
• The Spanish side believe Partey’s familiarity with Diego Simeone’s system makes him an ideal fit for a reunion

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly attracting strong interest from his former club, Atletico Madrid.

The Ghana international joined the Gunners in 2020 after they activated his €50m (£45m) release clause, but his current contract expires at the end of the season.

According to Marca, Atletico are eager to re-sign the 31-year-old on a free transfer, with manager Diego Simeone still yet to find a proper replacement for Partey since his departure.

His understanding of Simeone’s tactical approach could make a reunion mutually beneficial.

Atletico facing competition for Partey’s signature

Partey's impressive form this season and his potential availability on a free transfer have made him an attractive prospect for several clubs.

While Marca does not name other suitors, the publication notes that Partey “will not be short of offers.” Atletico are reportedly pushing to secure a pre-contract agreement soon to avoid a possible bidding war in the summer.

Arsenal prepared to let Partey leave

Despite his regular appearances and influence in midfield, Partey is now over 30 and earns £200,000 per week, making him Arsenal’s fifth-highest paid player.

The club appears ready to part ways as part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the squad and ease the wage bill.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement, although his playing style differs significantly from Partey’s.

Partey stars against Real Madrid again

Back in Spain, under the glare of the Bernabeu floodlights and amid the hostile chants of the Madrid faithful, the Ghanaian international remained ice-cool.

Deployed in the same deep-lying role by Mikel Arteta, the 31-year-old operated as the pivot, dictating the tempo, screening the backline, and initiating attacks with surgical precision.

According to data from Sofascore, Partey completed all 21 of his passes — a flawless 100% pass accuracy — underscoring his control and efficiency.

Beyond his impeccable distribution, he also threaded a key pass, registered four ground duels, made three clearances, and blocked three goal-bound efforts, including one crucial interception that quelled a potential Madrid breakthrough.

Partey’s back-to-back masterclasses against elite opposition have reignited conversations around his status as one of the finest midfielders in world football.

Calm under pressure, positionally intelligent, and technically sharp, the Ghanaian continues to prove why he's the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield and a nightmare for even the most decorated opponents.

Rooney settles Partey vs Camavinga debate

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney weighed in on the Thomas Partey versus Eduardo Camavinga debate.

The 2008 Champions League winner shared his thoughts on the midfield duo in the build-up to Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Arsenal — a tie that eventually saw the Gunners progress with a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory.

Source: YEN.com.gh