Barcelona plot January swoop of £50 million Arsenal star who wants to leave Emirates
Barcelona are considering a January transfer for Thomas Partey, although it is questionable whether Arsenal are willing to let him go.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona have added Thomas Partey to their midfield list ahead of the January window. The €50 million Arsenal star is still injured but it is not yet clear whether the Gunners will let him leave next month.
Mikel Arteta believes Thomas Partey is an integral part of Arsenal’s playing style and believes this player is the key to his midfield puzzle. Until now, the Gunners have been without the Ghanaian for most of the season due to constant injury problems.
Arsenal hope to have him back before the end of the year, and undoubtedly want him to be fit by the end of the season. Depending on how injury-free he is, the Gunners will plan for the January window as they reportedly want to sign a new central midfielder.
Another related story claimed that Arsenal are ready to sell Partey and sign Joao Palhinha as a replacement. However, there are different messages coming from the club at the moment. In reality, Arteta could see a solid partnership between him and summer signing Declan Rice until the end of the season, which would give the Gunners more stability.
But when the time comes to sell Partey, Arsenal will demand a hefty compensation given the €50 million investment and the quality he brings. Partey has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with rumors linking him to Juventus and now Barcelona.
President Joan Laporta recently confirmed that Barcelona intend to sign the midfielder in January, FFP rules permitting. However, he stressed that only a loan deal could be considered given their serious financial situation.
He has been linked with several well-known names, including Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. However, none of these players will come, as the clubs have shown reluctance to work with the Catalans in the current situation.
Partey, on the other hand, fits tactically into the team, although he is a different player from Gavi, whom Barcelona want to replace after a serious knee injury. The Ghanaian international will offer Handu Flick another option. But there are doubts whether the Catalans can convince Arsenal.
The Gunners will want a high fee in return, as they will certainly oppose a mid-season loan. Although Barcelona admire Partey, his chances of joining them before January are very slim.
