Three Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in a move for Thomas Partey, with Arsenal and the player’s camp both working on a potential exit.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that both Arsenal and Thomas Partey’s representatives are working on a potential transfer, should a suitable opportunity arise for a sale.
Ornstein confirms that there’s interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, and Arsenal are considering their options.
If Partey leaves, Arsenal would need to sign a replacement. But the situation isn’t currently believed to be advancing rapidly.
Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations between Partey’s camp and clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe will follow in the coming days, with a concrete chance that the midfielder leaves this summer.
James Benge reports 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 writes that it remains to be seen whether he’s ready to leave the Premier League.
Whilst there’s no word on how much the interested Saudi clubs would be looking to pay, Benge adds that Arsenal will only sell Partey for a good fee. This isn’t another contract termination to balance the wage bill.
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 Arsenal would be most likely to make a serious move for Caicedo if they could agree a high fee for the sale of Partey first.