Barcelona are reportedly eyeing up a move for an Arsenal player, with the man in question 'unlikely' to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Arsenal have started the season in good form and currently sit third in the Premier League.
Summer signings, David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, have impressed the Gunners faithful so far this season, although fellow recruit Mikel Merino is yet to properly prove himself - having made just two appearances.
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He suffered a fractured shoulder in training shortly after arriving at the club but is now expected to play a more important role in Arsenal’s side after the international break.
That's after proving his fitness in Spain's 1-0 win over Denmark on Saturday, when he played 30 minutes.
The signing of Merino has raised questions over the future of Thomas Partey, whose contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
The midfielder is unlikely to be offered a new deal at the Emirates, according to TeamTalk.
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With his contract expiring next summer, Partey would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement in January with any club outside of England.
Spanish outlet Sport claim that he could join Barcelona in a shock move, with new head coach Hansi Flick thought to be an admirer of the Ghanaian.
The report suggests the Catalan side showed interest in the player last summer, but Arteta was not willing to lose him at that stage.
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Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and has played 124 times for the club.
He suffered from various muscle injuries last season, with the central midfielder playing just 16 times in all competitions as a result. But he has had better fortune in the current campaign, making nine appearances in all competitions.
If he were to join Barclona, he would likely play for a bit-part role for the La Liga side.
But his experience would no doubt help youngsters Pedri, Gavi and Marc Casado.
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Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 win against PSG on October 1, Arteta insisted Partey was still an important player for him.
"He’s shown that [a good performance] week in week out,” the Spaniard explained.
“They way he came back post-holidays was probably the best condition that he’s been in. Now it’s about managing him and he’s done really well."
Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and several Saudi Arabian sides are also reported to be interested. Juventus were keen on Partey, but signing midfielders Douglas Luiz, Khepren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners last summer makes a move unlikely.
Topics: Arsenal, Barcelona, Thomas Partey, Transfers, Transfer News
Luke Davies