Thomas Partey has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old endured a difficult end to the 2022/23 campaign, falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta after some inconsistent form during the Gunners’ Premier League title race. Since then, Arteta has recruited Declan Rice to the north London club, leaving Partey’s future in doubt as reports have suggested that both Saudi Arabian sides and Juventus are interested in signing the Ghana international.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Arsenal are unlikely to sell Partey this summer unless they receive a huge offer from a potential buyer, with Mikel Arteta said to be impressed by the experienced No.6 during pre-season.
Speaking about Partey to his YouTube channel, via the Boot Room, Romano said: “I’m told that he returned to pre-season in very good shape and a good mentality and Mikel Arteta is very happy with his approach. The feeling is that it will only change with a big proposal, otherwise Arsenal are very happy to continue with Thomas Partey
Arteta claim
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was adamant that Partey remains an integral part of his long-term vision in north London.
When asked whether the defensive midfielder was still in his plans, Arteta responded: “Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure.”
When later pushed on whether he expected Partey to stay the Spaniard simply responded “yes,” before going on to state that the 30-year-old’s desire was to stay at the Emirates Stadium: “Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all.”
football.london understands that a Saudi club had made an offer of personal terms to Partey.
Pre-season decision made
Arteta chose to start Partey in Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly as they took on Nurnberg in Germany.
Since then, the former Atletico Madrid star was also named in the starting XI for the win over Barcelona, although Declan Rice, who started over him against Manchester United, missed the game against the Catalan giants through injury.
Al-Ahli talks
Al-Ahli are still working to convince Thomas Partey to move to Saudi Arabia, despite indications from the player’s camp that Juventus would be his favoured destination if he were to leave Arsenal, according to CBS Sports reporter James Benge.
Al Khaleej are also interested, but Al Nassr are out of the race.
Partey preference
According to CBS Sports, Partey’s camp have informed interested Saudi Arabian clubs that the player is not currently considering a move to the Pro League.
It is claimed that the Ghana international instead favours a move to Serie A outfit Juventus, with the Gunners demanding a significant fee to sanction any such move.
Arsenal stance
football.london understands that Partey is one of the players that Arsenal would be open to selling this summer if a suitable offer were to come in.
The Ghanaian recently turned 30 and has just two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates. Reports have suggested that teams in Italy and Saudi Arabia have shown an interest, although it is not thought that the Gunners have received any formal offers at time of writing.
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Price tag set
Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for Partey but they are not actively looking to sell the former Atletico Madrid star, according to the Sun.
It is also claimed that the Gunners will only consider serious bids in excess of £30million for the 30-year-old.
Decision to be made
Arsenal will decide on Partey’s future with the club after they finalise a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Writing for Caughtoffside, Romano said: “Thomas Partey has interest from Juventus and from Saudi clubs, but as of now, this is still nothing advanced. There has also been a verbal agreement for Granit Xhaka to join Bayer Leverkusen, which has been in place since May. It’s very advanced, but now it’s up to Arsenal, they will look to resolve final details of the Rice story and then decide on Xhaka and Partey.”
Juventus move
According to Sky Sport Italia, Partey’s entourage have reached an agreement with Serie A side Juventus regarding personal terms.
It is claimed that Massimiliano Allegri’s side believe a fee of between €18-20million (£15-17million) may well be enough to prise the Ghana international away from north London this summer.
Saudi suitors
As per Ryan Taylor of the Express, Arsenal will receive proposals from Saudi sides in the next few days.
“Told Arsenal could receive official proposals for Thomas Partey in coming days – expected to come from one of four Saudi clubs now owed by PIF”, Taylor wrote on Twitter.
“Al-Shabab also like Partey but they remain dependent on financial support from the Ministry of Sports to sign big-name players. #AFC.”
