Arsenal midfielder eyeing summer transfer to Barcelona

Thomas Partey is ready to leave Arsenal when his contract expires this summer, a report has claimed, with the Ghana international looking to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Partey, who turns 32 this summer, has been a regular feature in Mikel Arteta's side this season but is in the final few months of his contract and is expected to walk away when his deal expires, potentially departing alongside fellow midfielder Jorginho.

Mundo Deportivo state Partey is ready to leave Arsenal and is looking for a change of scenery. A return to Spain, where he made his breakthrough and blossomed into a star at Atletico Madrid, is high on his list of priorities.

Specifically, Partey is hoping to seal a free transfer to Barcelona, who have long seen him as a potential bargain and may be forced to pursue cut-price deals this summer after seeing their salary cap slashed by La Liga once again.

As it stands, however, Barcelona do not share Partey's desire to link up. While they spent years preparing for the eventual departure of Frenkie de Jong, the Dutchman's resurgence is expected to lead to a new contract, which limits the need for a new defensive midfielder.

21-year-old Marc Casado has also impressed enough this season to be seen as a viable squad option moving forward, and there are expected to be minutes for 17-year-old Marc Bernal after he recovers from the serious knee injury which robbed him of his breakthrough campaign.

Barring a late twist in contract talks with De Jong, Partey's likeliest route to Camp Nou could come as an make-shift right-back. 13 of his appearances this season have come in defence and Barcelona could value that versatility as they search for cover for Jules Kounde. The Frenchman just reached 100 consecutive appearances for both club and country.

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