Barcelona in “talks” with a key player from Arsenal about a surprise summer transfer. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League again, this year behind Liverpool and there were no trophies.
Mikel Arteta plans to strengthen the squad to close the gap to Liverpool, who have already strengthened with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
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But Arteta risks losing one of his most important players before the 2025/26 season.
Sportbible writes that Barcelona “started talks” with Thomas Partey’s representatives about a free transfer this summer.
Partey’s contract expires at the end of June, and he has yet to sign a new deal with Arsenal. Arteta has publicly expressed his desire to keep Partey, who has been at the club since October 2020 following a €50 million move from Atletico Madrid.
According to the report, the “complicated” and “slowly progressing” negotiation process has encouraged Barcelona, who want to strengthen their midfield without spending large sums of money.
Partey is seen as a “cheap option” for Barcelona’s midfield, and manager Hansi Flick is a big fan of the 31-year-old.
The Ghanaian international wants to stay at Arsenal, where he has a good relationship with manager Arteta. But he demands an agreement that does not involve a significant pay cut.
Arsenal are expected to offer Partey a short-term extension. A one-year contract with the option of another year.
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Arteta praises Partey
Last month, Arteta was asked about Partey’s future, calling him a “very important player”.
“As far as Thomas is concerned, this has been his most consistent season. The way he has played, performed and been available has been very special. He is a very important player for us,” Arteta said.
Partey is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia.
But it is Barcelona who have taken the first “serious step” to secure his services this summer.
Last season, Partey played 52 games, 35 of which were in the Premier League.
