prestige that appeals strongly to the player.
“Thomas has huge respect for Arsenal and enjoys living in London,” a source close to the player told SunSport. “But he also knows what he brings to the table and wants an agreement that recognizes his contribution and status.”
Should Partey leave Arsenal this summer, it would create a vacancy in the heart of Arteta’s midfield. According to reports, the Gunners are preparing to trigger the £51 million release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi—part of a broader squad overhaul that Arteta and the board are planning.
Zubimendi, regarded as one of Spain’s most intelligent holding midfielders, would represent a long-term successor to Partey, aligning with Arsenal’s focus on youth, technical quality, and squad evolution.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Partey is strategic and timely. With the club eager to bounce back to the top of European football, adding an experienced and combative presence like Partey to the midfield could help balance a squad that is brimming with youth but lacking in elite-level steel.
If the move goes through, it would mark a full-circle moment for Partey, who spent several years playing in La Liga before making the switch to England. Returning to Spain, and especially to a club of Barcelona’s stature, would provide the Ghanaian with an opportunity to reignite his career at the highest level.
Moreover, the presence of Flick and Barcelona’s ambitious rebuild might be the ideal environment for Partey to thrive once again, especially if he is offered a pivotal role in the midfield.
As the summer window approaches, this potential move could gain more traction, particularly if Arsenal decides to move forward with Zubimendi or another midfield target. For Partey, the coming weeks could determine not just his next club, but also how his distinguished career will be defined in its final chapter.
The coming days will be crucial as negotiations continue behind the scenes. Barcelona are known for acting quickly once they set their sights on a target—and with Partey’s contract running down, a deal could be announced as soon as the window officially opens.
Whether this move materializes or not, it’s clear that Thomas Partey remains a highly valued asset in European football, and his next step could play a major role in shaping Barcelona’s midfield for the 2025/26 season.
