Arsenal look set to part ways with Thomas Partey this summer after failing toreach an agreement on a new contract. Despite holding talks, the two sidescouldn’t find common ground, and the midfielderis now expected to leave as a free agent.
Partey has attracted interest from several top European clubs as his current deal winds down.According toArsenal insider Charles Watts, Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG are allkeeping a close eye on his situation. David Ornstein of The Athletic has also reported that Arsenalare prepared to let him walk for free.
Recent reporting suggests that Barcelonahave emerged as his preferred destination. Mundo Deportivo claims the LaLiga sideare actively monitoring him, viewing the experienced midfielder as a potential bargain.
As a soon-to-be free agent, Partey will be free to assess his options and choose the best fit for the next chapter of his career.
Did Arsenal makeright decision on Barcelona, PSG target?
Thomas Partey
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With Partey leaving, many will ask, “Did Arsenal make the right decision?”In hislatest column for CaughtOffside, Watts applauded theGunners’ decision to let the veteran midfielder walk after the two sidescouldn’t reach an agreement on an extension.
“I think Arsenal have made the right call on Thomas Partey,”Watts wrote. “They will miss him next season,I’m sureof that, but Idon’t think they could have been able to justify giving him a pay rise or even giving him terms that matched what he was on previously.
“Yes, he had arguably his best season in an Arsenal shirt last season and his availability was excellent for once. But he is now 32 and one good season of availability does not mean you should just forget about the previous season when injuries were a constant issue.”
TBR Football reported on Monday that Turkish giant Galatasaraywant to sign Partey. Moreover, the report claims that Galatasaray are looking to sign at least one top-quality midfielder this summer.
Partey has already received initial offers during the talks, but the Turkish club is alsoholding discussions with Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu.