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Arteta vindicated as ex-Arsenal star criticised by manager after summer transfer
Suraj Radia
- 29 Jan 2026 21:17 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal may have upgraded on one of their ex-players at the perfect time after one of their summer departures was criticised by the manager of his new club for his poor performances since his arrival.
The Gunners have enjoyed a strong title challenge this season, largely in part due to adding crucial depth and quality to their side with the signings of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze during the summer.
However, arguably Mikel Arteta’s best signing of the summer came in Martin Zubimendi, who provided a significant improvement on Thomas Partey after the Ghanian’s contract ended.
Current ETV
Thomas Partey
DM, M (C)
Thomas Partey
DM, M (C)
Villarreal
ETV Range
€3.1M - €4.7M
Partey ended up leaving the Emirates on a free transfer to join Villarreal but his return to Spain has been criticised by the La Liga side’s manager, who believes they are not seeing the same player who starred for Arsenal.
“There's a world of difference between the Thomas we knew at Arsenal and this one,' Marcelino said. “A world of difference. It's very difficult to play at this pace in today's football.
“I think it's been six months, and that's enough time for this player to show us what he was or what he's showing now.”
Villarreal regret controversial Partey transfer
Partey was substituted at half-time of Villarreal’s 3-0 Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen this week and he has played 21 times for his new side this season, although he has only completed 90 minutes on just five occasions.
The 32-year-old has been criticised for his displays and reports in Spain have claimed that Villarreal could look to move on from him already, with his one-year contract set to expire in the summer.
Partey had been a key figure for Arsenal and missed just three Premier League games for Arteta’s side last season, although his time in North London was filled with much controversy.
The Ghana international was charged with rape just four days after his release by Arsenal, with the Gunners aware of the investigation during his time at the club, and Partey’s move to Villarreal also came under intense scrutiny, with the midfielder currently out on bail.
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