Latest news with #ex-Atletico
Daily Mirror
04-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal transfer news: Why Gunners snubbed Benjamin Sesko as Thomas Partey finds new club
Arsenal are gearing up for their Premier League opener against Manchester United in less than a fortnight but Mikel Arteta's much-changed squad continues to be linked for with new additions Arsenal stars are sharpening their tools as the new season appears on the horizon with a fortnight to go before their Premier League campaign begins with a trip to Manchester United. But the Gunners continue to be linked with a deal for Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze following a hectic summer in north London. That, however, may require a number of players to exit the club and reports suggest five different members of the first-team squad could potentially move on. Thomas Partey has already left as a free agent but is now set to sign a new deal in Spain. Here are the transfer tales from in and around the Emirates to keep an eye on. Partey new club Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is due to join Villarreal this summer after his contract at the Emirates expired, leaving him free to seek pastures new. Partey was keen to remain in the Champions League and that was a major factor in him choosing Villarreal, who finished fifth in Spain last term. The midfielder had been linked with moves to clubs in Europe and the Middle East throughout the season. The Athletic reported that the ex-Atletico man was in talks over staying at the Emirates but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of a deal despite the two parties trying until late in the day. Mikel Arteta could bid farewell to five of his squad before the close of the transfer window, according to the Daily Mail. Reiss Nelson is the most likely to head off amid admiring glances from Fulham and his departure would see the Gunners' wage bill trimmed by £100,000 per week. Oleksandr Zinchenko, who earns £150,000, is also for sale, while Fabio Vieira is far down the pecking order but has garnered some interest from West Ham and Albert Sambi Lokonga is another allowed to leave. Then there is Leandro Trossard, whom Arsenal want to sign a new contract but is on a shortlist of targets at Borussia Dortmund. Sesko concerns Arsenal heard "alarm bells" when deciding whether to pursue a move for Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, according to an ESPN report. After engaging in preliminary talks with the Bundesliga outfit, Arsenal chiefs soon found that any deal for the promising forward would be too expensive for a player who has yet to realise his full potential. The story reported that there were three main reasons for a deal for Sesko setting off "alarm bells" including the mammoth fee Leipzig were requesting as well as his own personal terms. Having only had two seasons in a European top-five league - where he scored 21 goals across all competitions last season - sources said the club were wary about the mental demands Sesko would have to endure of being the player leading the Arsenal attack and whether he'd be able to handle the scrutiny.
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Thomas Partey set to join new club two days before appearing in court over rape charges
Thomas Partey is due to pen a two-year deal with Villarreal after seeing his Arsenal contract expire as the Ghanaian also prepares to appear in court after being hit with several charges Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is due to join Villarreal this summer after his contract at the Emirates expired, leaving him free to seek pastures new. The 32-year-old Ghanaian has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club, which will see him play with the Yellow Submarine until 2027. It will mark his return to La Liga having played there during his Atletico Madrid days. Partey was keen to remain in the Champions League and that was a major factor in him choosing Villarreal, who finished fifth in Spain last term. The midfielder had been linked with moves to clubs in Europe and the Middle East throughout the season. The Athletic reported that the ex-Atletico man was in talks over staying at the Emirates but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of a deal despite the two parties trying until late in the day. Partey joined the club from Atletico for £45million back in 2020 and has been part of their rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta. All in all he made 167 appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine goals, including one in a north London derby win. Shortly after the Ghanaian's Arsenal exit was confirmed he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all charges. He had been the subject of an investigation that began in February 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday August 5. Arteta was asked for his reaction to the news of Partey's charges and said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that. Quizzed further on whether he was confident the club has followed the right process he replied: "100%." Arsenal have made several additions in the middle of the pitch with Martin Zubimendi among their key signings. The Spanish midfielder joins from Real Sociedad after being on the club's radar 12 months ago and will assist the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Christian Norgaard has also joined from Brentford with the Dane adding more depth to the team's midfield options. Arteta has also captured more firepower in Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon and Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
