Thomas Partey’s contract with Arsenal edges closer to its final days and rumors of a summer departure grow louder with every match he plays. The 31-year-old midfielder has managed to stay fit this season, making 17 Premier League appearances and scoring two goals.
Mikel Arteta continues to count on him in crucial fixtures, including all six Champions League outings, which only deepens the intrigue around his uncertain future. Partey’s deal is set to expire at the end of this campaign, and European clubs, most notably Barcelona, are watching closely.
A calculated Barcelona gamble?
Barcelona, struggling to balance the books yet eager to strengthen their midfield, sees Partey as a prime candidate for a free transfer if Frenkie de Jong‘s wages become too heavy to bear. The Catalan side has recently turned to cost-effective acquisitions, signing players at the end of their contracts to avoid steep transfer fees.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for around $55 million, but his next move could come without a price tag. That prospect appeals to Barcelona’s hierarchy, which has faced challenges in registering new arrivals due to strict financial regulations.
Discussions about Joshua Kimmich potentially leaving Bayern Munich have also surfaced, although his contractual demands may require more resources than Barcelona can muster. Partey, by contrast, offers experience, a robust defensive skill set, and a wealth of Champions League mileage, all without the need for a large outlay. Yet Arteta has not lost hope of keeping the Ghanaian international in north London. He recently hinted at possible talks, suggesting there’s still time to negotiate an extension to see Partey remain a vital cog in Arsenal’s midfield.
Arteta addressed the issue not long ago, saying, “We will have the right time to discuss the situation. He is showing consistency at the highest level, again because his availability and the way that he feels physically is allowing him to do that, and I am very pleased with that.”
If Arsenal fails to secure his future soon, the door to La Liga swings wide open in January, when Partey can legally discuss terms with clubs outside England. That ticking clock and speculation about Frenkie de Jong’s possible exit add an air of urgency to Barcelona’s plans. It also raises questions about the Gunners’ midfield depth, especially with Jorginho facing contract crossroads as well. For Partey, a shift to Barcelona would mark a return to Spain under new circumstances, one where a storied club and a new chapter in his career may await.
