As per Spanish outlet Relevo, Barcelona have kept Arsenal star Thomas Partey on their transfer radar as they can sign him for free next summer.
The experienced No. 6 has started in every single game for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, accumulating 741 minutes of game time in just nine appearances.
Last season, he was seen as a player who could move to a foreign club due to his persistent injury issues. However, he has made a strong comeback and is a rock-solid presence in midfield.
The African honcho has come to the manager’s aid, proving to be a key asset while other players are sidelined due to their respective injuries. Arteta did a commendable job keeping him at the Emirates this season.
However, Partey’s contract issues aren’t sorted yet, with less than 12 years remaining in his agreement. The Gunners are not in favour of increasing his current £200,000-per-week wages.
Arsenal contract rebel Thomas Partey linked to Barcelona
Barcelona are aware of his scenario and are pondering a move next summer or even starting pre-contract talks in January.
Their management has kept the Arsenal star in their transfer talks, and they are really impressed by his output for the Premier League giants. The 31-year-old has experience playing in La Liga, having played for five years at Atletico Madrid.
He made 163 appearances for them and also helped Diego Simeone’s side lift the league title in the 2020-21 season. He can be a superb addition, a player who holds a lot of experience and can guide their La Masia graduates Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.
🚨Partey is on Barcelona’s radar for the winter window. Player deal has not been renewed yet by Arsenal . Deco has already tried once before to sign the player but Mikel did not allow the departure
(@MigRico ) pic.twitter.com/9Ciqq27haQ
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) October 12, 2024
These youngsters are rated very highly by manager Hansi Flick, but he also wants a ready-made, world-class defensive midfielder in his roster. Partey ticks all boxes, never backs down from putting strong tackles, and seamlessly links midfield with attack.
Amid all the positives, the only major issue will be the Ghanian’s wage demands. Signing him for free will suit their tight financial budget, but they need to convince him to be flexible in terms of his salary preferences.
MUST READ: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta weighing up an incredible double swoop for Bournemouth duo
Signing the star player will be even tougher next summer as Saudi Arabian clubs, Turkish clubs like Galatasaray and Feherbahce, and Juventus have been linked with him in the past. Although the latter have cooled their interest in Partey, the Saudi Public Investment Fund‘s chief is said to be ready to open talks with the midfielder and agree a deal in January.
They have the financial strength to make it happen, which makes life tough for Barcelona. But the Arsenal supporters won’t be pleased to let their prised asset leave for free.
Thomas Partey is the rarest of the rare gem, brilliant on & off the ball, one of the few players you want on the ball during transition play because he’ll make the smartest pass. He has an eagles eye for the game in the middle of the pitch.
The anchor!
pic.twitter.com/oa00dvwEX8— THOMA5 🐙 (@ParteyHive) October 13, 2024
The Gunners should convince the senior player to extend his contract for at least one more year before analysing his future at the club. He continues to be a very important player for Arteta, and his availability has given the manager time to slowly incorporate new signing Mikel Merino into the squad.
MUST READ: Agent reveals Arsenal once wanted 24yo African star who is now a forgotten Premier League player
It will be interesting to see whether Partey’s contract talks pick up pace or clubs like Barcelona exploit the situation for their own benefit next year.
