Arsenal faces a challenging situation as they prepare for the potential departure of a key first-team player to Barcelona. The athlete in question has had a transformative start to the season.
This wouldn’t mark the first time a player has transitioned from the North London club to the Catalan giants. Pioneers like Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars made the move early in the Arsène Wenger era, followed by other notable names such as Alexander Hleb, Thomas Vermaelen, and the famously returned Cesc Fàbregas.
As interest in William Saliba from Real Madrid grows and rumors swirl around Gabriel Jesus potentially leaving the club, manager Mikel Arteta faces the prospect of a restructured squad. Keeping the core group intact is crucial for Arsenal’s future aspirations of competing for silverware.
Barcelona Set Their Sights on Arsenal’s Star
Barcelona had a reasonably quiet summer transfer window due to financial constraints, with Dani Olmo being their only notable acquisition. However, the club is already strategizing for next summer, recognizing midfield as a priority area for reinforcement. With Marc Bernal currently injured and earning praise as one of the top young talents globally, the reliance on fellow La Masia academy product Marc Casado has become crucial.
According to the Spanish outlet Relevo, Barcelona has identified Arsenal’s Thomas Partey as a primary target in its pursuit of bolstering its squad. The report emphasizes that the Ghanaian international underwent significant changes over the summer to enhance his fitness and secure a regular starting position alongside Declan Rice in Arteta’s midfield setup. Additionally, Partey has been linked with a move to Juventus, with his contract set to expire next summer.
Relevo said, “Barcelona communicated in their plans for the season that acquiring a central midfielder was vital.” However, unforeseen developments, including the emergence of player Marc Bernal as a crucial starter and the growth of his partner, Marc Casado, have caused shifts in their strategy. Although Bernal and Casado have stepped up, the coaching staff is still keen on exploring options like Partey, who brings versatility to the midfield.
Despite his injuries in recent seasons, Partey remains a trusted choice for Arteta. His ability to adapt as a right-back adds another layer of appeal for potential suitors.
Despite his recent resurgence, Arsenal appears willing to part ways with Partey. Previously, Arteta established terms that would facilitate his exit, and it’s known that Partey’s market value has decreased following a price adjustment last year. As Arsenal’s focus shifts toward the future, Partey’s considerable salary, which ranks among the club’s highest, could be reallocated to newer investments.
Declan Rice is expected to fill the team’s long-term defensive midfielder role, with Mikel Merino also providing depth in that position. Meanwhile, Jorginho’s contract is also nearing expiration, and academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly is gradually emerging. Given Partey’s reliance on maintaining fitness, the club might not have the luxury of depending on him moving forward.
According to Transfermarkt, Partey’s valuation is approximately €18 million. However, he has played in merely 102 league matches during his five-year tenure at Arsenal. This limited exposure suggests a new chapter might be on the horizon for Partey, potentially leading him to Barcelona in the summer.
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