Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey is set to leave Arsenal after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Juventus.
The 30-year-old midfielder who ended last season with an injury, has been allowed to move on by Arsenal as they prepare to shake-up their midfield this summer.
Arsenal’s determined pursuit of West Ham captain Declan Rice appears to have triggered his exit. Sky Sports Italy reported that Partey’s representatives have been in touch with Juve and have now agreed personal terms, paving the way for a transfer. He reportedly prefers to stay in Europe despite being targeted by Saudi Arabian sides Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Khaleej.
Understand Thomas Partey considers Juventus as priority, he hopes to stay in Europe — talks will follow as there’s still no official proposal. 🚨⚫️⚪️ #Juventus
Arsenal are prepared to let Thomas go but important proposal will be needed after Saudi approaches. pic.twitter.com/SCuC4aVlB4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
The 30-year-old’s current Arsenal contract expires in June 2025 and Arsenal are happy to cash in now, rather than run the risk of losing him for free in the future. He could therefore be following Granit Xhaka out of the door, with the Swiss midfielder strongly linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Juventus manager Max Allegri is leading the club’s pursuit of Partey, who will bolster the side next season. The Old Lady finished seventh in Serie A last season after being hit with a 15-point deduction for ‘financial irregularities’ and ‘false accounting’ in relation to past transfer dealings.
With an agreement already reached with Thomas Partey, Juventus and Arsenal now need to hash out a fee for the former Atletico Madrid ace.
It is speculated that Arsenal will receive just £17 million for Partey after he snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia which would have seen the Gunners reportedly net £35.4m in installments.
Arsenal are already close to wrapping up a £65m deal for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz. The Germany international is set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of a transfer being announced next week.
Arsenal have other midfielders on their shortlist, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia two other options. Caicedo came close to joining the Gunners in January and is poised to leave the Seagulls in the current window.
The possible departures of Partey and Xhaka would leave Arsenal with Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Martin Odegaard and Mohamed Elneny as the only options in central midfield.
