FC Barcelona would have a 'shot' at one of Arsenal's figures in 2025

Published:9/09/2024 - 23:00h

Updated:9/09/2024 - 23:00h

The latest rumors in England put Thomas Partey in the orbit of FC Barcelona. The Ghanaian midfielder's contract ends in June and, in principle, he would not plan to renew with Arsenal, which is why he could join Barça for free

FC Barcelona would have an interesting 'zero cost' alternative for the midfield next summer. This is Thomas Partey, a 31-year-old midfielder whose contract ends at the end of 2024/25 and aims to change scene at the end of this season. For Barça, the pivot position continues to be an unfilled priority in the market and, for now, 'low cost' options remain preferred when it comes to strengthening.

According to the latest information, Arsenal would be willing to release the Ghanaian next summer, although the player has been important in Mikel Arteta's plans until now. Odumase Krobo's player has played every possible minute at the start of the Premier League, but the age factor (he will turn 32 in June) and his injury history (last season he missed 34 games due to physical problems) lead the club to open the door for him after four seasons in England.

Partey landed in London in October 2020 from Atlético de Madrid. The Gunners paid 50 million for his transfer, but his continuous losses have affected his performance since then. In total, the midfielder has played 118 games (6 goals and 4 assists) in 4 years in which he has suffered a dozen injuries, a factor that could be decisive next summer for Barça to decide to enter the 'race' to sign him.

Juventus and Atlético, Barça's main rivals for Thomas Partey

However, Barça will not be alone when it comes to negotiating with Thomas. In England there is already speculation about the interest of Juventus and Atlético de Madrid in the African footballer, being a real 'bargain' that may interest other 'big players' in the coming months if the Ghanaian continues to start for Mikel Arteta. The midfielder knows Spanish football very well, having played in Leganés, Mallorca and Atlético before making the leap to the Premier League.

With the 'colchoneros', the still Arsenal player played 188 games (16 goals and 12 assists), earning the trust of Diego Simeone until his departure in 2020. The 'Cholo' would welcome his return, as long as he manages to stay healthy for 24/25. For Barça, Partey would be an interesting alternative for the midfield, just as Franck Kessié was at the time. However, the salary issue could complicate the negotiation, since the €12M gross that he invoices with the Gunners is too much for the Barça's narrow salary margin.