Barcelona & Juventus among clubs interested in Thomas Partey free transfer

Thomas Partey has entered the final year of his Arsenal contract, and clubs are already plotting a potential swoop for the Ghanian midfielder next summer.

Partey joined the Gunners with a lofty reputation having developed into a world-class midfielder under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. However, since his 2020 switch, Partey has struggled for consistency and rhythm in north London due to a succession of injuries.

The 31-year-old has missed 80 games for club and country with ten different ailments over the past four seasons.

Partey has flashed his magic and offered streaks of brilliance for Mikel Arteta in north London, but his unavailability has doubtlessly hindered his Gunners legacy. After missing a huge chunk of last season with a hamstring injury, many thought Arsenal would look into selling Partey in the summer transfer window, but the Ghanaian didn't come close to leaving the Emirates.

Now, the Gunners risk losing Partey for nothing at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

3 European giants interested in signing Thomas Partey on free transfer

It did once seem that Partey's Arsenal career was winding down, but a promising conclusion to last season which included a couple of notable performances during the Gunners' title run-in perhaps convinced the club to retain him beyond the summer.

"We need him because he’s a top player, a very important player for us and you can see on the pitch as well what kind of impact he can have for us," Arteta said of the Ghanaian in April.

"He’s our player, he’s got one more year’s contract and I’m really happy with him."

Partey has started and finished Arsenal's opening three Premier League encounters of the 2024/25 season, and the midfielder could yet extend his contract in north London should he avoid the sidelines and enjoy a resurgent campaign. The Gunners recently rewarded 32-year-old Jorginho with a short-term extension after he impressed during his first 18 months with the club.

The 31-year-old was only tenuously linked with an exit to the Saudi Pro League or Juventus over the summer, and the Italian giants are one of the clubs that could look to sign Partey on a free transfer next summer. The midfielder can, of course, sign a pre-contract with any potential suitors from 1 January 2025.

CaughtOffside report that Juve would be willing to offer Partey a three-year contract should he opt against extending his stay in north London. The #6-needy Barcelona are also keeping an eye, while Atletico Madrid could be open to a reunion.

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