Arsenal open contract talks with Barcelona midfield target | OneFootball

Reports earlier this month suggested that FC Barcelona have decided to sign a new midfielder in the summer even though initial plans had indicated otherwise.

The Blaugrana will look for a cost-effective option in the market to add more depth and cover in the centre of the park despite having players like Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong.

One player who has been heavily linked as a possible target for Barcelona is Arsenal veteran Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Arsenal open renewal talks

Partey, for his part, is believed to be open to the idea of making the switch to Catalonia and signing for Barça.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have initiated talks with Partey and his camp over a new contract to keep him at the Emirates Stadium beyond the current season.

Contract talks taking place. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Negotiations are said to be ongoing but there is still no agreement in place between the Ghanaian international and the Premier League heavyweights.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on holding on to Partey, although the player has plenty of other options.

Partey is an attractive option for Barcelona considering his contractual situation as well as his past experience in La Liga.

The Blaugrana are believed to have sent scouts to watch the veteran star in action earlier this month when Arsenal played Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But with the Gunners now pressing ahead with contract talks with Partey, it now remains to be seen if Barcelona are willing to make any progress in their pursuit of the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.