Barcelona are 'in talks' with an Arsenal star over a shock summer transfer, according to a report.
Arsenal finished runners-up to Liverpool in the Premier League and failed to win any silverware last season.
Mikel Arteta plans to recruit new talent to close the gap on Liverpool, who have already strengthened ahead of the next season following the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
But Arteta could lose one of his key players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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According to The Sun, Barca have ''opened talks' with Thomas Partey's representatives over a free transfer this summer.
Partey is out of contract at the end of June and has yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Arteta has publicly expressed his desire in holding onto Partey, who has been at the club since October 2020 following his £45 million transfer from Atletico Madrid.
Per the report, the 'complex' and 'slow-moving' nature of negotiations has encouraged Barca, who are looking to add to their midfield without splashing the cash.
He is seen as a 'cut-price fix' for Barca's midfield, with Hansi Flick a big fan of the 31-year-old.
The Ghana international wants to stay at Arsenal, having built a strong relationship with Gunners boss Arteta.
But he is looking for a deal that doesn't require him to take a significant pay-cut.
Arsenal are expected to offer Partey a short-term extension.
It's suggested the club are looking to offer him a one-year deal, with an optional additional year included.
Last month, Arteta was quizzed about Partey's future as he called him a 'really important player'.
"In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season," he said. "I think the way he’s played, performed, his availability has been exceptional, and he’s a really important player for us."
Partey is also attracting interest from Atletico not to mention clubs in Saudi Arabia.
But it's Barca who have made the first 'serious move' to acquire his services this summer.
He made 52 appearances last season, including 35 Premier League outings.
Topics: Thomas Partey, Mikel Arteta, Football, Arsenal, Barcelona
Nasir Jabbar