Barcelona are reportedly in talks with Thomas Partey’s representatives over a free transfer, as the player is yet to agree a new contract with Arsenal.
Rahman Osman broke the news for The S*n on Sunday that Barcelona have opened talks with Thomas Partey’s representatives over a potential free transfer this summer.
The midfielder is yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal, meaning he’ll be out of contract at the end of the month unless something changes. Given he’s entered the final weeks of his deal, he’s free to speak to other clubs about a move.
Paul Joyce and Gary Jacob confirm for The Times that Partey’s camp have had talks with Barcelona, adding that they’ve so far been unable to agree a new contract with Arsenal.
Osman’s report adds that the player would ideally prefer to stay in north London, but he also doesn’t want to take a significant pay cut.
Arsenal would presumably want to reduce Partey’s pay if he is to stay, with Martin Zubimendi likely to arrive and take over the Ghana international’s starting role.
The contract signed in 2020 was for a 27-year-old expected to start regularly, but this contract would be for a 32-year-old backup. It makes perfect sense that Arsenal wouldn’t want to offer Partey the same terms.
With less than a month until the contract’s end date on June 30th, it shouldn’t be too long now before we get an answer one way or another.