Barcelona could move to sign €18m Ghanaian pivot on a free transfer next summer | OneFootball

While Flick’s methods and the team’s strong results have masked many of its deficiencies, there is no doubt that this FC Barcelona squad needs reinforcements to strengthen its weaker areas.

One of the most evident weaknesses is in midfield, where the team lacks a natural and experienced player for the pivot position. The Blaugranes’ long-term pivot, Sergio Busquets, left the club last year, and his replacement, Oriol Romeu, also departed during the last summer transfer window.

This season, Flick started by deploying the youngster Marc Bernal as one of the pivots in his double pivot scheme, but he too had to suffer a serious injury and is out for the rest of the season. In such a context, another youngster, Marc Casado, remains the only natural pivot in the squad.

Frenkie de Jong, who has already returned, and Gavi, who is nearing his return from injury, can also play in this position. However, the club does not believe they are suited enough to function effectively as pivots.

In such a context, Mundo Deportivo cites reports from England claiming that Barcelona will attempt to sign Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey to address this weakness in the next summer transfer window, should he decide not to renew his contract with the Gunners.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season, and the Catalans are looking to sign him on a free transfer.

However, they will have to compete for his signing with Partey’s former club, Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in getting the midfielder back at zero cost. Meanwhile, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Italy might also be interested in him.

The €18m-rated Ghanian pivot has been a clear starter for Mikel Arteta this season and has started every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game up to now. He is no longer suffering from the physical issues that kept him from playing consistently in the last season, and thus, can be a highly alluring option for Barcelona.