Arsenal define their position on FC Barcelona's interest in Thomas Partey

Published:13/10/2024 - 18:28h

Updated:13/10/2024 - 19:03h

Barça have set their sights on Thomas Partey as a possible free-of-charge reinforcement for their midfield. However, Arsenal could speed up his renewal

FC Barcelona continue to comb the free agent market ahead of next summer to get ahead of their rivals in the race for some of the most coveted pieces of the following summer window. Names such as Jonathan David, Leroy Sané and Jonathan Tah appear as 'low cost' options to reinforce the team, and now it would be Thomas Partey who is the latest to join the list as a possible signing for the midfield.

The Ghanaian landed at Arsenal in the summer of 2020, when the 'gunners' paid Atlético de Madrid the player's termination clause, valued at that time at 50 million euros. Four years later, the player's contract with the London club has entered its final season, so, a priori, the midfielder can negotiate with any club from January 1.

According to 'Relevo', this situation wants to be taken advantage of in Barcelona, where they see the 31-year-old African as an attractive market opportunity to reinforce the pivot of Hansi Flick's team. The appearance of Marc Bernal seemed to 'settle' the debate on the position, but the serious injury that forced him to say goodbye for the rest of the season has reawakened the need in an area of the field that would appreciate the arrival of a specialist despite the great performance of Marc Casadó and the return of Frenkie de Jong.

Arsenal's position on Partey's future

However, at Can Barça they will have to fight with Mikel Arteta's wishes if they finally decide to go for Thomas. This season, Partey has been a starter in all of Arsenal's Premier League and Champions League games, accumulating 741 minutes in nine appearances and has even already celebrated a goal. Although he has not yet renewed with the Londoners, his role is beginning to have weight in the Spanish coach's scheme.

"Thomas is a super important player for the team and for me. He can play with Rice, he is in my plans. If you want to improve the squad and add quality you need players who can play together and fight for a place," Arteta explained at the time. So, the next few months will be key for the Catalans, who will be keeping an eye on Partey's situation at Arsenal, where they will almost certainly try to keep him.