Breaking News: Thomas Partey Set to Leave Arsenal as Free Agent at the End of the Month – Newcastle United Leading Race to Sign Midfielder Next Week
June 26, 2025 — London, England
Thomas Partey is officially set to leave Arsenal Football Club at the end of June when his current contract expires, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United emerging as the front-runners to secure his signature. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international will depart the Emirates after five seasons in North London, closing a chapter that promised much but was frequently disrupted by injuries.
Arsenal confirmed earlier this week that Partey’s contract will not be renewed, allowing the midfielder to leave on a free transfer once the window officially opens in July. The decision comes amid a summer of change for Mikel Arteta’s squad, with the Gunners shifting focus toward younger and more dynamic midfield profiles as they prepare for another title push in the upcoming 2025–26 campaign.
Partey arrived from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for a fee of £45 million, and though he initially impressed with his composure, tactical discipline, and physicality, a series of injuries hampered his ability to establish himself as a consistent first-team presence. He made 123 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring five goals and playing a key role in their 2022–23 title challenge, which ultimately fell just short.
Despite those setbacks, Partey remains highly regarded within the Premier League, and it hasn’t taken long for top-flight clubs to show interest in acquiring his services. Newcastle United have moved quickly, opening talks with the player’s representatives earlier this week and are now considered favorites to sign him on a two-year deal, with an option for a third.
Sources close to St. James’ Park confirm that Eddie Howe is eager to add an experienced midfield enforcer to his squad as the Magpies prepare for a busy season, which will include European competition. The club views Partey as an ideal complement to Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali in midfield, bringing a wealth of Premier League and Champions League experience to an ambitious Newcastle side looking to break into the top four once again.
“We’re looking at players who can elevate our mentality and bring leadership to the pitch,” said a source close to the Newcastle board. “Thomas Partey fits that profile perfectly. He’s a top professional who knows what it takes at the highest level.”
Negotiations between Newcastle and Partey’s camp are said to be progressing positively, with personal terms close to being agreed. A medical could be scheduled as early as next week if talks continue on the current track.
Other clubs, including teams from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have expressed interest in Partey, offering lucrative contracts. However, the midfielder is reportedly keen to remain in England and continue playing in a competitive environment, with Newcastle’s project and European ambitions proving an attractive proposition.
Partey himself has remained respectful of Arsenal in his limited public comments, telling Ghanaian outlet Joy Sports earlier this month:
“It’s been a great journey with Arsenal, but football is always moving. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to accelerate their plans to bring in another midfielder this summer, with links to Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz already making headlines.
For Newcastle, the addition of a player of Partey’s pedigree on a free transfer could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business in this summer’s window — bringing leadership, steel, and big-game experience to a squad on the rise.
More updates are expected in the coming days as Partey prepares for the next chapter of his Premier League career.
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