'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As per reports, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, as they work towards making additions to their squad. They could potentially get the Ghana international on a free transfer, as his contract with the Gunners will expire in the summer of 2025.
Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via Teamtalk) has revealed that the Blaugrana are interested in Partey's services. However, they will need to be wary about growing interest from the capital of Spain, with Atletico Madrid also looking at the 31-year-old.
With his contract expiring in less than a year, Partey can legally negotiate with other clubs by January. If he comes to terms with Barca or Atleti before concluding on a contract extension with Arsenal, he will leave the Emirates Stadium for free next summer.
For Barcelona, Partey will be a good bargain option, as the Catalan giants are struggling with their finances. However, they might be concerned about the Ghana international opting for a return to Madrid instead. Notably, he played 188 games for Atleti, spending five years at the Wanda Metropolitano, before his move to north London in 2020.
There's also the possibility of the 31-year-old midfielder extending his time with Arsenal. He has played every game for the Gunners this season, aside from their Carabao Cup third round match against Bolton Wanderers on September 25, which they won 5-1.
Arsenal and Barcelona enjoy successful Champions League outings
Arsenal and Barcelona both enjoyed successful outings in the UEFA Champions League midweek. Thomas Partey was part of the Gunners' 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on October 1, playing 64 minutes.
It was an impressive three-point haul, a much-needed win after they endured a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the first continental matchday. They currently sit in 13th place with four points, three spots above Barcelona, who sit in 16th.
The Blaugrana had a torrid first match in the Champions League, picking up an early red card (Eric Garcia) against Monaco and losing 2-1. However, they bounced back impressively with a 5-0 win over Swiss side Young Boys at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 1.
This weekend will see Arsenal and Barcelona return to their respective domestic leagues. The Gunners face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium later today (October 5), while the Blaugrana have an away trip to Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza tomorrow (October 6).
