Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Quarter Final - Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 18, 2024 Arsenal's Thomas Partey reacts REUTERS/Hannah Mckay EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Barcelona have entered the race for the signature of soon to be free agent Thomas Partey when the Arsenal midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of June. The player is believed to be happy with life in London and with his place in the Arsenal setup, but with no contract extension currently agreed the Spanish giants have now entered the fray.
The Sun has reported that Barcelona representatives have held talks with the player’s camp over a free transfer this summer. Negotiations remain difficult at this moment though, with Partey seeking a deal that doesn’t require a large pay cut.
At 31, the player is aware that his next deal will likely be his last large contract, and he is seeking a deal that reflects his status of one of Arsenal’s most important players. He turns 32 later this year and has reportedly been offered a one year contract extension with Arsenal with a possible option to extend a further year.
Barcelona will have to make a substantial offer to turn the player’s head. The deal could prove difficult for the La Liga outfit as they continue to battle Financial Fair Play restrictions, but the lack of transfer fee could work in their favour.
Arsenal facing competition from Barcelona for Partey’s signature
Partey has built a strong relationship with manager Mikel Arteta and has been one of Arsenal’s key men since joining from Atletico in 2020.
He is coming off of his best season at Arsenal, playing 35 Premier League games and scoring 4 goals and adding 2 assist from his holding midfield role. This follows an injury hit campaign last season when he only managed 14 Premier League appearances.
Injuries have plagued much of the player’s time at Arsenal, but his influence in the side when he does play is clear. Partey’s excellent reading of the game and ball winning ability helps him protect the backline.
His passing ability helps Arsenal transition from defence to attack, breaking the lines with his passing to beat the press and pick out his teammates in more advances areas.
He is tipped to retain his place in the side despite Arsenal’s imminent signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Reports indicate that the details of the deal for Zubimendi have all been sorted, with Arsenal triggering his £51million release clause.
Personal terms and relevant documents have already been signed and official confirmation is expected soon. Zubimendi is widely regarded as more of a replacement for the outgoing Jorginho, who has agreed to join Flamengo.
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