Two clubs line up shock £21m move for Arsenal star Mikel Arteta called ‘super important’

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Arsenal star Thomas Partey could be set for an exit this summer after another campaign in which he has struggled with injury.

The 30-year-old has hardly featured all season, and with just a year remaining on his contract, it seems unlikely that he will be offered fresh terms to extend his stay.

Partey is reportedly keen on staying at the Emirates this summer, but Arsenal are very much open to a sale. Declan Rice and Jorginho have reduced Mikel Arteta’s reliance on Partey, and there are strong links with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

It has now emerged that two clubs are willing to bring the former Atletico Madrid star back to Spain, should Arsenal sanction an exit for the Ghana International.

Real Sociedad and Almeria express interest in Thomas Partey

A report from Football Transfers has claimed that La Liga sides Real Sociedad and Almeria are interested in signing Partey.

Real Sociedad are said to have named €25m (£21m) as the maximum price they would offer to sign Partey. Should they lose Zubimendi in the summer, Partey may be seen as the ideal replacement, and they share a strong relationship with Arsenal after deals involving Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal in recent years.

Almeria are currently rock-bottom of La Liga, and look set to drop down to the Segunda Division, making a move for Partey near-impossible. However, they are reportedly interested, having had Partey on loan during the 2014-15 season.

Where could Thomas Partey end up if he leaves Arsenal?

An exit this summer almost feels inevitable given his injury issues, but these problems make Partey a somewhat undesirable target despite his outstanding ability, with Mikel Arteta describing him as “super important” as recently as last summer.

There were links with Saudi Arabian sides last summer, but it remains to be seen if there is any interest from both sides in a move.

Real Sociedad could be an option, although Partey’s wages may prove to be a stumbling block, but Arsenal may find they could receive some of the money they may spend on Zubimendi back, by sending Partey the other way.

Almeria looks an impossible option, and if Partey is to move to Spain, it would be to a side in the top half of the table in the top flight.