Thomas Partey transfer latest: Saudi proposal, Juventus action and Mikel Arteta’s view
During the summer transfer window, Arsenal star Thomas Partey’s future has been a topic.
Partey, 30, is in his final two years of his Emirates Stadium deal and has not been offered new terms. The Ghana international fell out of favor with Mikel Arteta following some disappointing performances in the Premier League title race in 2022/23.
Arteta still wants the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, who began last weekend’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. After that, football.london has compiled all the latest transfer rumors about the experienced midfielder below.
Rejected bid
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal rejected Partey’s bid.
“Three weeks ago Arsenal rejected €30-35 million bids for Partey from Saudi clubs,” Romano told Caught Offside. Arsenal refused to take that much money, demanding more than €45 million to allow Partey leave. I don’t think any club can take advantage of this right now.
“I don’t see Fenerbahce paying that much, and Mikel Arteta is happy with Partey, so to change the situation, it will cost more than €45million (£38million).”
Juventus’ transfer confidence as talks resume
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus believe they can capture Thomas Partey from Arsenal this summer amid fresh transfer talks.
He told wettfreunde.net: “Juventus talked to Partey and his agents a month ago and again in recent days once they understood Frank Kessie went to Al-Ahli. Juventus wants him but will prioritize Thomas if they trade Zakaria to Monaco and other young midfielders like Miretti.
“They know Pogba may take a while to return, so they won’t sign a new midfielder until then. The Juventus player is unblocked. They can grab him if they want.”
Juventus discusses
Juventus have approached Thomas Partey for further negotiations over a possible transfer because Franck Kessie is expected to join Al-Ahli, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Fresh stance
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal won’t move Partey this summer unless they get a significant offer, with Mikel Arteta impressed by the seasoned No.6 in pre-season.
Romano commented on his YouTube channel, The Boot Room, of Partey: “I’m informed he returned to pre-season in good shape and mentality, and Mikel Arteta is pleased with his approach. Arsenal are happy to keep Thomas Partey unless a major offer comes through.
“Arteta is pleased with the player’s start to the season, so Arsenal and Thomas Partey are in control.”
Arteta claim
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted that Partey is part of his long-term plan.
Arteta said he still wanted the defensive midfielder: “Definitely. Thomas is crucial to us and me. I want him on the team. For sure.”
Later asked if he anticipated Partey to stay, the Spaniard said “absolutely,” adding that the 30-year-old wanted to stay at the Emirates Stadium: “Every time I spoke to him, he wanted to stay. Nothing there for me.”
football.london reports that a Saudi club offered Partey personal conditions.
Made pre-season decision
Arteta started Partey in Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly against Nurnberg in Germany.
The former Atletico Madrid player was also picked in the starting XI for the triumph over Barcelona, but Declan Rice, who started over him against Manchester United, was injured.
Al-Ahli discusses
Al-Ahli are still trying to convince Thomas Partey to come to Saudi Arabia, despite his camp’s claims that Juventus would be his preferred destination if he left Arsenal, CBS Sports reporter James Benge reported.
The race is over for Al Nassr, but Al Khaleej are interested.
Partey pick
CBS Sports reports that Partey’s management has notified prospective Saudi Arabian clubs that he is not considering a Pro League move.
The Ghana international reportedly wants to join Juventus in Serie A, but the Gunners want a big fee.
Arsenal stance
football.london reports that Arsenal would sell Partey this summer if offered.
The Ghanaian turned 30 and has two years left on his Emirates deal. According to reports, Italy and Saudi Arabia are interested, but the Gunners have not received any formal proposals.
Price tag set
Also, the Gunners will only accept serious proposals over £30million for the 30-year-old.
Make a decision
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano believes Arsenal will decide on Partey’s future after signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice.
Romano said for Caughtoffside: “Juventud and Saudi clubs are interested in Thomas Partey, but nothing is final. Granit Xhaka has verbally agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen since May. It’s advanced, but Arsenal will conclude the Rice story and decide on Xhaka and Partey.
Juventus move
Sky Sport Italia reports that Partey’s entourage has reached a personal arrangement with Juventus.
The Ghana international may leave north London this summer for €18-20million (£15-17million) according to Massimiliano Allegri’s team.
Saudi suitors
Ryan Taylor of the Express reports that Saudi clubs will offer Arsenal in the coming days.
Taylor tweeted, “Told Arsenal could receive official proposals for Thomas Partey in coming days – expected to come from one of four Saudi clubs now owed by PIF”.
Al-Shabab likes Partey, but they need Ministry of Sports funding to attract top players. #AFC.”
Possible windfall
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says Saudi sides are willing to offer Arsenal up to €40million (£34.4million) for Partey, a good return given his age, injury record, and two-year contract. Romano tweeted: “Saudi clubs will pay Arsenal €40m in installments for Thomas Partey.
He can leave Saudi Arabia, as announced on Sunday. No player decision yet.
“Europeans also approach him. AFC has no fresh deal negotiations.”
London meeting
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli made their first’moves’ to recruit Gunners midfielder Partey.
Partey and Arsenal are’very advanced’ in negotiations, according to sports writer @KDZH37 on Twitter. Al-Ahli are also interested in Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Saudi clubs want
Three Saudi clubs are interested in signing Partey, reports say.
CBS Sports reports that Saudi trio Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Khaleej are interested in the Ghana international, who will enter the final two years of his Mikel Arteta contract at the end of June.
Talks continue
Arsenal and Partey’s representatives are discussing a 30-year-old exit, according to the Athletic.
If a sale is possible, the Gunners will evaluate offers from interested clubs. If the former Atletico Madrid player left Arsenal, a successor would need to be found, unrelated to Declan Rice.
Arsenal for sale
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal may sell Partey this summer.
The Gunners will have £180million to spend in the market, but sales might boost their budget. Partey, Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, and Rob Holding might be sold as Mikel Arteta looks to overhaul his squad for 2023/24.
Serie A switch
According to the Mirror, two Serie A clubs want Partey.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been crucial to Arsenal’s success this season, but Arteta may sell him after a slump.
Partey’upgrade’
Mikael Silvestre advised Arsenal to replace Partey with Rice in a bettingexpert.com interview. The ex-Gunners defender said: “Partey has played his best football for Arsenal this season.
After a couple terrible games, I anticipate him to bounce back. Every elite team needs competition, and Declan Rice, with all due respect to Thomas Partey, would be an upgrade.”
La Liga return
Partey was linked to a return to La Liga last summer after a dispute with Arteta. Spanish source AS reported ‘frequent conflicts’ between player and management last season, leaving the door open for a possible exit.
The Ghanaian stayed and helped Arsenal win the title. The article suggests that Partey would have cost £30m (€35m), £15m less than Arsenal paid Atletico Madrid for him in 2020.
Thomas Partey transfer latest: Saudi proposal, Juventus action and Mikel Arteta’s view