Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is on the shortlist of FC Barcelona as they look for reinforcements in midfield next summer.
The Spanish club is looking for midfielders on cut price deals or free transfers as the financial situation at the moment is uncertain.
Head coach Hansi Flick is keen to add more options in midfield after playing multiple games this season with defenders playing as defensive midfielders. Eric Garcia has had to deputize after Marc Bernal was ruled out for the season with an injury.
With Frenkie de Jong also being reported to leave the club next summer, the midfield options for the La Liga club would be very thin.
The Ghanaian’s current contract at Arsenal expires next summer, and there are no indications of concrete talks so far. A report from Relevo says the Catalan side are keen on bringing in Partey on a free.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants to keep the player after his bright start to this season:
“He’s a massive player for us and he’s shown that week in, week out. He’s started the season really well, really fit,” he stated.
“The way he came back post-holiday was probably in the best condition that he’s been, which was really helpful as well.
“Now he needs to continue to do that. We have managed certain minutes with him in the right way and the team is doing that, and then he’s doing everything he can as well to be in the best physical condition.”
The only game Thomas Partey has not featured in this season is the League Cup game against Bolton Wanderers.
When Thomas Partey is fully fit, he’s arguably Arsenals best midfielder alongside Declan Rice. It was obvious last season when Jorginho stepped into the team with Partey out, and failed to produce the same quality on the ball.
Mikel Merino was also signed this summer to provide back up, but he is also a player that lacks quality on the ball to make Arsenal’s midfield tick. With months left on his contract, he could easily agree a deal in January as it stands.
Partey stayed at London Colney this international break after he picked up an issue that prevented him from joining Ghana’s camp. The official report from the FA is that he had ‘medical issues’.
“Thomas is unable to join the Black stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days.”
His recovery period is unknown, but there is every chance he is fit to face Bournemouth this weekend.
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