Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Softfootball understands that the Ghana international remains a key figure under Mikel Arteta, but Arsenal are not expected to offer him a new deal on his current £200,000-per-week contract.
Partey has played an important role in Arsenal’s improvement under Arteta and has started all of the club’s Premier League matches so far this season.
Despite his importance to the team, reports from TEAMtalk claim the midfielder is unlikely to receive a contract extension from the Gunners.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona have identified Partey as a major midfield target as Hansi Flick looks to strengthen his squad.
The Catalan club were also interested in Partey during the summer, but Arsenal were not willing to let him leave at the time.
Barcelona’s interest has not gone away, and his contract situation could make a deal easier to pursue.
With Partey’s current deal running down, Barcelona would be able to open talks with him over a pre-contract agreement in January ahead of a possible free transfer.
The La Liga giants are still dealing with financial restrictions, so signing an experienced midfielder like Partey without paying a transfer fee would be seen as smart business.
