Juventus have entered the race to sign Thomas Partey, with the player keen on the move, but Arsenal are asking for a significant fee amid concrete interest from Saudi Arabia.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been linked with a transfer departure from the club in recent days, with at least three Saudi Arabian clubs interested in his signing.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Saudi clubs are ready to pay €40m for the signing, and he’s considered a concrete option, but the player also has interest from Europe.
Romano writes that Juventus have made enquiries over Partey, and the 30-year-old is currently prioritising the Serie A interest over a move to Saudi Arabia.
Juventus are yet to make a formal bid, so talks are set to follow, but Arsenal will want a significant fee to match the planned offers from elsewhere.
Gianluca Di Marzio confirms that Partey is on Juventus’ shortlist, assuming Adrien Rabiot decides not to extend his contract at the club.
David Ornstein recently reported for The Athletic that both Arsenal and Partey’s representatives are working on a potential transfer, should a suitable opportunity arise for a sale.
Ornstein confirmed that there’s interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, and that Arsenal are considering their options.
James Benge then wrote for CBS Sports that Partey is wanted by Al-Nassr FC, Al-Ahli Saudi FC, and Al-Khaleej, again confirming that Arsenal would be willing to part ways with the midfielder.
Arsenal have not opened contract talks with Partey, as he enters the final two years of his deal, though Benge added that it remains to be seen whether he’s ready to leave the Premier League.
In terms of potential replacements, Arsenal are pursuing a number of midfield incomings, including Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia.
There’s also interest in Moises Caicedo, though there are conflicting reports over whether the Gunners are still in that race or not.
You’d think a serious Arsenal move for Caicedo would be contingent on whether they could agree a high fee for the sale of Partey first.