Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly ready to bring down the curtains on his career with the North London giants as he sets his sights on a potential return to La Liga.Partey’s current contract at the Emirates Stadium will expire at the end of this season.
The Ghana international, who joined from Atletico Madrid back in 2020, is said to be willing to leave for free this summer after five seasons with the Gunners.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Partey is actively seeking a fresh start elsewhere. A return to Spain, where he rose to prominence at Atletico Madrid, ranks high among his preferences. However, rather than a return to the Spanish capital, Partey is reportedly eyeing a move to Catalonia.
Specifically, the 32-year-old is eyeing a free transfer to Barcelona, a club that previously expressed interest in him.And as they brace for another summer of budget constraints following a further reduction in their La Liga-imposed salary cap, the Ghanaian could be a bargain acquisition.
However, the Blaugrana do not currently share Partey’s enthusiasm. Despite years of planning for Frenkie de Jong’s potential departure, the Dutch midfielder’s recent resurgence has positioned him for a contract renewal, diminishing the need for reinforcements in the defensive midfield role.
Additionally, Marc Casado has impressed this season and earned consideration as a reliable squad player. Meanwhile, the club expects 17-year-old Marc Bernal to feature once he recovers from the serious knee injury that stalled his breakthrough campaign.
Barring a devastating turn of events for Barcelona, the Catalan giants have sufficient depth in the middle of the park and as a result have no apparent need for the Ghanaian. However, his versatility and ability to fill in at right-back could sway the mind of those in charge of Barca’s recruitment.
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