Barcelona Want To Sign Arsenal Midfielder In The Summer: What Should The Gunners Do? | OneFootball

Thomas Partey’s contract situation has generated noise in north London. His future remains unclear and uncertainty is growing as the summer transfer window approaches. The Ghanaian midfielder will turn 32 this month, and his continuity at the Emirates is not assured.

Since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2020, the midfielder has had standout performances, although injuries have prevented him from maintaining regularity. Despite that, Mikel Arteta remains confident in him. However, there are external moves that threaten to alter the Gunners’ plans.

Barcelona Want To Sign Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey

According to The Sun, Barcelona have already made contact with Partey’s agents to explore a possible free transfer. The Catalan club, keen to strengthen their midfield at little expense, see the Ghanaian as a viable option. Although no agreement has been reached, talks are ongoing. Partey’s contract expires in 2025, but his continuity is not guaranteed. Arsenal want to renew him, although negotiations are slow. Arteta values him highly, but Barcelona’s interest could prompt a change of stance. His former club Atletico Madrid are also watching closely.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

What Should The Gunners Do?

Whether Arsenal should keep him or not depends on how they interpret his role in the project. From a sporting point of view, Partey still offers a lot. He has presence, pace, and experience. He is one of the few in the squad capable of holding up the midfield in physical games. However, his medical history is a cause for concern. The midfielder has been absent at important moments, and that raises doubts. If the club receives a serious proposal or if they can free up wage bill, the departure would not be a disaster. But letting him leave on a free transfer also means losing financial value without return.

From another angle, one has to look at the impact his departure would have on the structure of the dressing room. He is a serene figure, and in a young team, that counts. If Barcelona want him, they should move fast. But if Arsenal don’t react, they could be without a key player without compensation.

The decision must balance the immediate and the strategic. If he stays fit, he still has the level to compete in the Premier League and in Europe. But if he gets injured again, the club will have lost time and money. Arteta must assess all this before taking a definitive position.