Prolific midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly close to leaving Arsenal for a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Ghana international and former Atletico Madrid star has yet to renew his contract with Arsenal. The 2024-25 season will be the last lap of his Arsenal career and he could leave the club on a free transfer should he exhaust his contract.
Arsenal have renewed contract of key players in the squad but have yet to touch on Partey’s deal. Sources close to the club reveal the 31-year-old is not part of Mikel Arteta’s plan for next season.
New Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly fancied a move for Partey but is set to face stiff competition from Saudi Pro League clubs that are reportedly interested in a move for the player.
Further reports reveal representatives of the Saudi Public Investment Fund – a financial behemoth, backing Saudi club’s money-spinning moves for footballers in top European leagues – have bypassed Arsenal to speak with Partey’s representatives directly for a potential move.
The sweeping move by the Saudi contingents has been linked to the competition by European clubs such as Fenerbahce and Juventus who are also interested in Partey.
Partey’s Arsenal career peaked in the 2022-23 season when Arsenal started challenging for the Premier League title. He made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring 3 goals.
In the just-concluded 2023-24 campaign, Partey’s run with the Gunners was hit hard with groin and hamstring injuries that consigned him to the sidelines. He could only manage 16 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Arsenal are not ready to lose Partey on a free transfer after next season. They are reportedly open to his exit this summer and have slammed a £20m price rag on him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to make do with Jorginho in the defensive midfield in Partey’s absence, hence the club have tied down the Italian to another one-year contract with an extension option.
Meanwhile, reports claim the club are also eyeing a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as long-term replacement options for Partey.
