Barcelona is stepping up its transfer activity with a determined push to bring in top talent for the upcoming season. In a bold move, the club has reportedly entered advanced negotiations with Arsenal over a potential deal to sign Ghanaian international Thomas Partey.
According to recent reports from Spain, the Catalan giants have accelerated talks in response to a direct request from their newly-appointed manager, Hansi Flick, who sees Partey as a crucial addition to his midfield plans.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, is spearheading an aggressive transfer strategy aimed at restoring the club’s status as one of Europe’s elite.
Since Hansi Flick took charge, Barcelona’s performances have improved, but the leadership is acutely aware that further squad reinforcements are essential if they hope to challenge for major titles, particularly the UEFA Champions League – a trophy the club last lifted in 2015.
Partey, 31, has been a key figure at Arsenal since his high-profile move from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for around £45 million. While the midfielder has showcased his quality during his time at the Emirates, his tenure has been marred by frequent injuries, limiting his impact and availability.
Despite Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s public admiration for Partey and his expressed desire to keep him, contract renewal talks have yet to reach a resolution. With Partey’s current deal set to expire at the end of June, uncertainty over his future has opened the door for interested clubs to make their move.
Barcelona sees Partey as an experienced, cost-effective option to bolster their midfield ranks, and Flick is reportedly a strong advocate for bringing him to Camp Nou. The coach admires Partey’s defensive capabilities, physicality, and tactical understanding, all of which align with his vision for a more balanced and competitive Barcelona side.
While Partey’s preference is said to lean toward staying at Arsenal—due in part to his close relationship with Arteta and his comfort in London—he is seeking a contract extension that fairly reflects his value, without a salary reduction. Arsenal’s financial structure and budget limitations have made meeting his demands a challenge.
Adding to the complexity, reports from The Sun indicate that Saudi Pro League clubs are also circling, prepared to offer Partey lucrative deals that could tempt him away from European football altogether. This growing interest is putting pressure on both Arsenal and Barcelona to act quickly if they hope to secure his signature.
Barcelona’s board, led by Laporta, views Partey as an essential piece in their rebuilding project. His experience at the top level, combined with his leadership qualities, is seen as a valuable asset to mentor younger players and stabilize the midfield.
However, concerns over Partey’s injury record persist, and Barcelona’s medical team is expected to conduct a thorough evaluation before proceeding with any deal.
For Arsenal, the potential loss of Partey would be a significant blow. While the club would ideally like to retain him, the unresolved contract situation and external interest may force them to explore alternatives.
As the situation unfolds, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining Partey’s future. Should Barcelona successfully secure his services, it would mark a major step forward in their summer transfer plans and signal their serious intent to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in European football.
