Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly closing in on finalising a summer move to the Saudi Pro League amid interest from Jose Mourniho’s Fenerbahce.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is closing in on finalising a summer move to the Saudi Pro League amid interest from Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce, according to a report.
During the 2023-24 season, Partey struggled with ongoing hamstring and groin injuries that limited him to just 16 appearances across all competitions.
Despite Arsenal’s strong performance in the Premier League title race against Manchester City, and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, Partey only played a bit-part role, which saw Mikel Arteta have to rely on Jorginho in defensive midfield.
The 31-year-old midfielder signed for the Gunners from Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2020 and has one year remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium.
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Thomas Partey on the way to the Middle East?
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have no intention of offering the Ghanaian international an extension on his deal and are willing to listen to offers for him before he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Arteta is expected to be busy this summer and would likely look to use the proceeds from the potential sale to bring in a younger central midfielder to partner Declan Rice.
The report adds that the club have set an asking price of between £20m to £25m to part ways with the former Atletico Madrid man.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad have recently emerged as the leading candidates to replace Partey in the Gunners’ engine room.
The Ghanaian had previously been linked with a move to the Middle East and Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund officials have now restarted talks over a potentially “lucrative” contract.
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PIF to hijack Mourinho for Partey signature
Partey’s representatives have been working to secure him a summer move away from North London, with Mourinho believed to have signalled an interest in taking the player to Istanbul.
It is understood that the interest from the Turkish giants has led to the PIF stepping up their pursuit of the 31-year-old by making direct contact with the player to agree terms rather than approaching Arsenal.
Juventus were also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Ghana international but have not made a formal approach for his services.
Partey has scored five goals and provided four assists in 115 appearances for the Gunners since his £45m move from La Liga to the Premier League.