BREAKING NEWS: “Everyone is now seeing me as a bad person. Nobody even wants to hear my own side of the story. I’m not supposed to say this, but I will say it to clear the air now,” Mikel Arteta finally REVEALED what really happened between Him and Thomas Partey in the dressing room that led to His sudden DEPARTURE

In a dramatic turn of events at Arsenal Football Club, manager Mikel Arteta has finally addressed the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey’s sudden exit from the team. The Ghanaian midfielder, whose contract ends this summer, is now set to leave the Gunners on a free transfer—a move that has left fans shocked and confused.

Arteta, visibly frustrated by the backlash from supporters and sections of the media, has spoken publicly for the first time about the circumstances behind Partey’s departure. His words shed light on what appeared to be a quiet fallout between player and manager.

“Everyone is now seeing me as a bad person,” Arteta reportedly told close sources. “Nobody even wants to hear my own side of the story. I’m not supposed to say this, but I will say it to clear the air now.”

The relationship between Arteta and Partey had reportedly become strained towards the end of the season. While Partey showed glimpses of his best form in the final stretch of the 2023/24 campaign, there were underlying concerns from the coaching staff about his long-term reliability, especially in terms of fitness.

According to club insiders, Partey sought clarity on his role in the squad going forward. However, Arteta, looking to revamp his midfield and inject more youth and dynamism, could not guarantee the 32-year-old a regular starting position.

“You’ve been important to us,” Arteta is believed to have told Partey in a closed-door conversation. “But we need to evolve. I won’t promise minutes I can’t give.”

This pragmatic approach from the manager did not sit well with Partey, who, feeling sidelined and undervalued, opted to explore opportunities elsewhere. With talks over a new contract failing repeatedly, Arsenal confirmed the midfielder’s departure by the end of the month.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano verified the development, stating that Thomas Partey is set to leave Arsenal as a free agent. Talks have already begun for his replacement, with Christian Nørgaard of Brentford high on the list.

Partey’s impending move is reportedly drawing significant interest from Saudi Arabia, where a lucrative salary is expected to eclipse what Arsenal were prepared to offer. Despite the circumstances, Arteta expressed his respect for the midfielder’s decision.

“I wanted him to stay,” Arteta explained. “But I also need players who are 100% committed and physically capable of handling another grueling season. He made a decision for his career, and I wish him the best.”

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Arsenal fans. Many are saddened by the departure of a player once seen as the heartbeat of the midfield, while others understand the club’s need for a fresh direction.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness also weighed in on the situation, expressing concern over Arsenal potentially regretting the decision to let Partey go. “He’s been a talent. I like watching Thomas Partey play. He’s my type of player. It’s a shame he’s leaving, but that’s modern football. Player power is stronger than ever,” Wyness said.

Wyness further emphasized that Arsenal likely tried to keep Partey on a longer deal, but his camp clearly had different plans. “His agent and himself have decided it’s time for a move and another contract somewhere else. He’s still got a lot to offer.”

With Partey gone and Jorginho also exiting the club, Arteta turned to a player he trusts: Christian Nørgaard. Arsenal reportedly reached an agreement with Brentford for a fee that could rise to £15 million including bonuses.

Arsenal were also scouting Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoumé but ultimately decided against pursuing him. According to reports, Arteta insisted on a Premier League-proven midfielder to fill the void, especially during a time when experience will be crucial for their title ambitions.

Nørgaard, 31, has been praised for his tactical awareness, leadership, and defensive abilities. Brentford boss Thomas Frank once described him as “one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League,” noting his intelligence, positioning, and goal contributions.

Frank said: “Christian has been an integral part of our journey. He is our club captain and one of our most important players. His ability to sense danger and play the ball forward is top-class.”

While some fans may see this as a downgrade, the move to sign Nørgaard could prove wise if the Dane can bring stability and grit to Arsenal’s midfield. Arteta clearly sees something special in the player, and given Nørgaard’s proven quality in the English top flight, the transition might be smoother than many expect.

As for Partey, his time at Arsenal ends in a bittersweet manner. Signed in 2020 for £45 million from Atletico Madrid, he was initially seen as a transformative player. Despite battling injuries and inconsistencies, he leaves behind moments of brilliance that Arsenal fans won’t forget.

Arteta, meanwhile, remains firm in his vision. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to players who’ve given so much. But this is football. We move forward.”

Whether the decision to part ways with Partey will come back to haunt Arsenal remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Mikel Arteta is standing by his call, determined to build a squad that can challenge on all fronts.

In the coming weeks, Arsenal supporters will look to Nørgaard to justify this bold reshuffling of the midfield. And perhaps, only time will truly reveal if Partey’s exit was a misstep—or a masterstroke.