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Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have held talks about signing Mikel Arteta’s ‘massive’ Arsenal player

Shamanth Jayaram

Fri 14 March 2025 7:35, UK Updated Fri 14 March 2025 9:16, UK

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have held talks about signing Arsenal star Thomas Partey this summer.

The Gunners are expected to have a major window. 🍰Andrea Berta is coming in as Arsenal’s new sporting director, and he is set to make a few big signings.

All eyes will be on a new striker for Arsenal this summer, but they will need reinforcements in midfield too as Partey and ♓Jorginho could both leave the Emirates.

Here’s꧑ an ⛎update on the Ghana international’s future.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid hold talks about signing Arsenal’s Thomas Partey

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Barc🧔elona and Atletico Ma💯drid have both held talks about taking Partey back to Spain from Arsenal.

The 31-year-old is out-o൩f-contract in the summer and as yet has not been offerꦗed fresh terms by Mikel Arteta’s side.

TBR understands that whilst Arsenal appreciate Partey’s versatility, they are unlikely to offer himℱ terms similar♚ to his current deal, which sees him pocket £200,000-a-week.

The Gunners also know there is interest from elsewhere, including the Saudi Pro League🌼, Serie A and the Bundesliga. However, TBR now understands that a move back to Spain is being discussed.

Partey’s old side Atletico Madrid are keen🏅 to bring him backꦅ to the Metropolitano, but Barcelona also have an interest in the Ghana midfielder.

Hansi Flick’s side wanted to sign Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, but it emerg꧂ed he was staying in Germany.

S💖o, the Catalans have looked elsewhere and are now showing an interest in Partey.

What Mikel Arteta has said about Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal

Partey’s future has been up in t📖he air since last summer’s transfer window.

The midfielder, who will tu🦋rn 32 in June, has been a regular♈ for the Gunners this season and is expected to play almost every game from now until the end of the campaign.

Arteta views Partey as a ‘massive player’, and the A𒊎rsenal manager has๊ previously claimed that the club will hold talks with him over a new deal.

“He’s in a really good place and we will have those discussions,” Arteta said about Partey in November.

N😼ow, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid e෴yeing a move for Partey, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will fight hard to retain the Ghanaian’s services.