- 2 hours ago
Arsenal star made Barcelona’s ‘top priority’
Robin Bairner
- 4 May 2024 08:00 BST
- 11 min read
Barcelona’s search for bargain transfers has led them to Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who they have made one of their leading priorities to sign during the summer.
The Ghana international is out of contract in 2025, meaning that he will command a relatively small fee, while his appearances this season have been limited because of groin and hamstring injury problems.
According to Adrian Lopez via CaughtOffside, Partey is now one of Barca's leading targets.
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Current ETV
Thomas Partey
DM (CR), M (C)
Arsenal
Thomas Partey
DM (CR), M (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€8.1M - €13.5M
A deal looks eminently possible, too.
Barcelona need a defensive midfielder in Partey’s mould while the player knows LaLiga, having turned out successfully for Atletico Madrid, where he came through the youth academy, before moving to Arsenal.
He would represent an upgrade on their current options, which include Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto, although his lack of physical reliability should be seen as a concern for a Barca squad that can appear easily stretched when injuries hit.
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Andreas Christensen, for example, has featured as a defensive midfielder this term.
When Partey has played for Arsenal this season, he has been in impressive form and was one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League last terms as the Gunners went close to winning the title.
Party vs Premier League midfielders: 2022/23
Partey’s long-running exit rumours
There have long been rumours linking the 30-year-old with a move away from the club, with Juventus having reportedly targeted him in January.
Indeed, it is already clear that Arsenal are building towards a future without Partey. There have been reports linking Mikel Arteta’s side with a move for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, which highlight the fact that the African has fallen out of their thinking to some extent.
Furthermore, Jorginho is poised to sign a new contract, which would logically make the Italy star Arsenal’s backup option in the central midfield area.
