Barcelona eye Arsenal midfielder with expiring contract | OneFootball

Thomas Partey is on Barcelona’s radar ahead of the January transfer window, with sporting director Deco trying to sign the player once before.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Thomas Partey of Arsenal looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona-based journalist Miguel Rico reports that Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is on Barcelona’s radar, given the player’s contract hasn’t yet been renewed by the Gunners.

Sporting director Deco reportedly tried once before to sign Partey, but at the time, Mikel Arteta was against the transfer.

With Partey’s deal expiring this summer, the situation may now have changed. Barcelona could agree a pre-contract deal with Partey in January if they wished to.

BERGAMO, ITALY: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta makes a save from Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Stadio di Bergamo on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Ryan Taylor recently reported for the Mirror that Arsenal were yet to show an appetite to extend Partey’s contract, leaving that option of a pre-contract with a foreign club open.

The player would then be able to talk to other English clubs about a potential free transfer in May.

Taylor wrote that given Partey’s high earnings and struggles to stay fit, Arsenal are sceptical about handing him another big-money deal.

The situation remains open, but Edu Gaspar is expected to prioritise signing a defensive midfielder next summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Lewis Dunk of Brighton is challenged by Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Due to Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino’s injuries, Partey’s inclusion has been somewhat mandated in recent games.

But with Merino back and Odegaard closing in on a return, Declan Rice also available in midfield, as well as Jorginho and impressive youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Partey starts to look surplus to requirements.

That would be particularly true if Arsenal sign another midfielder next summer.