Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as a potential summer signing, with the Ghanaian international’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Partey, 31, joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and has been a vital cog in Mikel Arteta’s system. The midfielder has made 17 Premier League appearances this season, starting 14 of those games, and has also featured prominently in all six of Arsenal’s Champions League group matches.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are highly interested in Partey and see him as an ideal candidate for a free transfer next summer. The Catalan club’s ongoing financial struggles have made cost-effective signings a priority, and Partey’s availability without a transfer fee could make him a prime target.
The report further suggests that Barcelona are considering the sale of Frenkie de Jong at the end of the season, which could pave the way for Partey’s arrival as a replacement for the Dutch midfielder.
However, Arsenal are keen to keep hold of the Ghanaian star, with Arteta emphasizing Partey’s importance to the squad. Speaking about Partey’s contract situation last month, Arteta said:
“We will have the right time to discuss about the situation. He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that.”
If Arsenal wish to secure Partey’s future at the Emirates, they will need to act swiftly. From January, players whose contracts expire in the summer are free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs outside England.
While Arsenal hope to retain their midfield dynamo, Barcelona’s interest and their pressing need for reinforcements make Partey a name to watch in the upcoming transfer window.
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