Barcelona tracking ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal star as Mikel Arteta makes transfer decision

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Barcelona are attentive to Thomas Partey’s situation at Arsenal with Gunners coach Mikel Arteta pushing for the transfer of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 30-year-old has not been seen at Emirates Stadium since Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 at the start of October. Partey featured from Arteta’s bench to help see out the Premier League win on his return from an injury. But another issue has kept the Ghanaian sidelined.

Partey suffered a thigh injury during training at London Colney days after returning from his earlier groin problem. His thigh injury would also force Partey to undergo a small procedure last November. The defensive midfielder has only just returned to training earlier this week.

Barcelona eye Thomas Partey as Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi

Now, Partey could be playing for his future at Arsenal when the 45-cap anchor returns from the treatment room. According to AS, the Gunners are open-minded about selling Partey to boost their budget. Arteta is pushing Arsenal to get his clear top midfield target, Zubimendi.

Arteta is intent on adding a new defensive midfielder to their squad this year, and is likely to sacrifice Partey. The Odumase Krobo native has played for just 341 minutes over five games in all competitions so far this term. Three of his four starts to date also came as a right-back.

Sides in Saudi Arabia showed an interest in Partey’s transfer from Arsenal last summer and could revisit his situation. But Barcelona are also attentive to Partey’s predicament with his ability to sense danger valued highly. Yet the Camp Nou club cannot afford any large outlay.

Long-term injury problems have ruined Thomas Partey’s campaign

Partey, for his part, is convinced that he can return from his thigh injury to be an important player for Arsenal again. So, the midfielder will push any debates about his future back into the summer. Barcelona may be in a stronger financial position to target his transfer, as well.

The Ghanaian was one of Arteta’s most valuable players for much of last season whilst they fought for the title. Partey, who ex-Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure thinks is ‘unbelievable’, started 28 of the Gunners’ Premier League fixtures through his 33 appearances in 2022/23.

But Partey’s form fell off a cliff at the end of last season and Arsenal have since replaced him with Declan Rice. Gary Neville described Partey as a ‘shadow of himself’ and ‘nowhere near it’ last May. He went from being their midfield enforcer to losing the starting role to Jorginho.