Arsenal will need to offload a number of their stars this summer if they’re to make big splashes once again in the transfer window and midfielder Thomas Partey is one member of the squad that may have already played his last game for the club.
The Ghanian international struggled with injuries for most of the season, but did start Arsenal’s last three Premier League games, forming a strong partnership with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park. However, he may be sold in order to provide a big boost to the club’s financial state as they try to bolster the squad in order to rechallenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
While he’s back in training for preseason ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Partey is expected to be one of many departures away from the Emirates Stadium this summer after teammate Jorginho’s impressive displays when he was called upon to replace the Ghanian throughout the season. The Gunners have also been lined up with a number of central midfielders over the past few weeks, further fuelling rumours of an exit.
Saudi Pro League move
Partey has long been touted as a potential star that any of the big teams from the Saudi Pro League could go after this summer. He’s already received interest from the region last year when Arsenal were resistant to offers for the midfielder but with only a year left on his current deal, this summer does represent the club’s last real chance to make much money on him.
Reports late last year suggested that Partey has been approached by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) in connection with a move to an unspecified club in the Saudi Pro League, with PIF having direct control of the ‘big four’ in Saudi Arabia, which are Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
Arteta stance
Despite all the outside noise, Partey has insisted that he is keen to stay at Arsenal, claiming back in April: . “My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field. I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.”
In response later that month, Arteta was similarly hopeful of the star’s focus on the Gunners, saying: “He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things. That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us.”
When asked about a new contract, Arteta added: “He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him.”
Arsenal replacement targets
Arsenal have consistently been tipped to sign a slew of midfielders in order to upgrade on Partey, with Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich being one of the most recent names linked with a move to north London. The German is said to be a ‘dream’ option for Arteta and for just £33m would make a brilliant addition to their Premier League title hopes.
Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, Spanish international Martin Zubimendi and Everton centrepiece Amadou Onana are all other names that have been long-term links with the Gunners but over the past few days, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino has seen a rise in profile following his impressive displays at the Euros over the summer.
The club’s interest in Merino is said to pre-date the start of the tournament in Germany but his performances for Spain in all seven of their games on the way to lifting the trophy in Berlin last weekend have enhanced his reputation in their eyes.
