“I Want Him”: Rangers Manager Russell Martin Expresses Interest in Ghanaian Midfielder Thomas Partey Following Arsenal Exit

By James McKenzie | Glasgow Football Tribune | July 6, 2025

GLASGOW – Rangers manager Russell Martin has made headlines after publicly declaring his desire to sign Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, following the midfielder’s high-profile departure from Arsenal earlier this summer.

Partey, 32, left the North London club at the end of the 2024/25 season after a five-year stint in the Premier League. The defensive midfielder, who has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and Serie A, is now reportedly open to offers across Europe, and Rangers are the latest club to show interest.

Speaking after his side’s 3-1 pre-season win over Hibernian on Saturday, Martin did not mince words about his admiration for the experienced midfielder.

> “I want him,” Martin told reporters. “Thomas is a top-class player with incredible experience at the highest level. He’s someone who can control the tempo of a game, shield the defence, and bring composure in tight spaces. That’s exactly what we’re looking for in midfield.”

Rangers are currently undergoing a squad reshuffle after narrowly missing out on the Scottish Premiership title last season to bitter rivals Celtic.

With European ambitions on the horizon—especially after securing a UEFA Europa League qualification spot—Martin is eager to bring in leadership and steel to his midfield.

Sources close to Ibrox suggest that Rangers have already initiated informal talks with Partey’s representatives. Although salary expectations could prove a stumbling block, Martin remains optimistic.

> “We know he’s coming from a top club like Arsenal, and we respect the level he’s played at,” Martin said. “But we also believe in what we’re building here. Rangers is a massive club with a huge fanbase and real ambition. If Thomas wants to be part of something special, the door is open.”

Partey made 118 appearances for Arsenal after joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020. While his time at the Emirates was at times hampered by injuries, he remained a vital cog in Mikel Arteta’s midfield when fit, particularly during their 2022/23 Premier League title challenge.

His departure marks the end of an era, and many pundits believe a move to a club like Rangers—who can offer regular European football and a leading role—could suit the Ghanaian at this stage of his career.

Ghanaian media have also picked up on the story, with several outlets speculating that Partey may be swayed by the presence of fellow African players at Ibrox, as well as the chance to compete in the Europa League.

Whether a deal materialises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Russell Martin is making no secret of his ambition to land Thomas Partey.