Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly been the subject of a bid from a Saudi Arabian side during the summer transfer window
The future of Arsenal star Thomas Partey has consistently been a talking point during the summer transfer window,
But the former Atletico Madrid midfielder started last weekend's 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, clearly still in Arteta's plans. So with all of that being said, football.london has now rounded up all the latest transfer talk involving the veteran midfielder below.
Bid rejected
"Three weeks ago Arsenal rejected approaches for Partey from Saudi clubs for around €30-35million," Romano told Caught Offside. "Arsenal said it was impossible to accept that kind of money, they wanted more than €45million to let Partey leave the club. So, I don’t really see this as a realistic opportunity for any club at the moment.
"I don’t see Fenerbahce paying that kind of money and of course, Mikel Arteta is very happy with Partey, so to change the situation more than €45million (£38million) will have to be the fee.”
Juventus transfer confidence as fresh talks continue
Juventus are firmly of the belief they can sign Thomas Partey from Arsenal this summer if they wish to after holding fresh transfer talks, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Speaking to wettfreunde.net, he said: “Juventus talked to Partey and his agents a month ago and again in recent days once they understood that Frank Kessie went to Al-Ahli. Now Juventus want him but they will focus on Thomas if they sell Zakaria to Monaco and other young midfielders like Miretti.
“They understand that the timing of Pogba coming back may be a little while so they will only sign a new midfielder once they know how long it will take for Pogba to return. The player is not blocked from Juventus. They know they can get him if they want.”
Juventus talks
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have approached Thomas Partey for fresh talks over a potential transfer after Franck Kessie looks set to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
Fresh stance
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Arsenal are unlikely to sell Partey this summer unless they receive a huge offer from a potential buyer, with Mikel Arteta said to be impressed by the experienced No.6 during pre-season.
Speaking about Partey to his YouTube channel, via the Boot Room, Romano said: "I'm told that he returned to pre-season in very good shape and a good mentality and Mikel Arteta is very happy with his approach. The feeling is that it will only change with a big proposal, otherwise Arsenal are very happy to continue with Thomas Partey
"Arteta is very happy with the player and how he’s beginning this new season, so everything is under control with Arsenal and Thomas Partey."
Arteta claim
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was adamant that Partey remains an integral part of his long-term vision in north London.
Pre-season decision made
Arteta chose to start Partey in Arsenal's first pre-season friendly as they took on Nurnberg in Germany.
Since then, the former Atletico Madrid star was also named in the starting XI for the win over Barcelona, although Declan Rice, who started over him against Manchester United, missed the game against the Catalan giants through injury.
Al-Ahli talks
Al-Ahli are still working to convince Thomas Partey to move to Saudi Arabia, despite indications from the player’s camp that Juventus would be his favoured destination if he were to leave Arsenal, according to CBS Sports reporter James Benge.
Al Khaleej are also interested, but Al Nassr are out of the race.
Partey preference
According to CBS Sports, Partey's camp have informed interested Saudi Arabian clubs that the player is not currently considering a move to the Pro League.
It is claimed that the Ghana international instead favours a move to Serie A outfit Juventus, with the Gunners demanding a significant fee to sanction any such move.
Arsenal stance
football.london understands that Partey is one of the players that Arsenal would be open to selling this summer if a suitable offer were to come in.
Price tag set
Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for Partey but they are not actively looking to sell the former Atletico Madrid star, according to the Sun.
It is also claimed that the Gunners will only consider serious bids in excess of £30million for the 30-year-old.
Decision to be made
Arsenal will decide on Partey's future with the club after they finalise a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Writing for Caughtoffside, Romano said: "Thomas Partey has interest from Juventus and from Saudi clubs, but as of now, this is still nothing advanced. There has also been a verbal agreement for Granit Xhaka to join Bayer Leverkusen, which has been in place since May. It’s very advanced, but now it’s up to Arsenal, they will look to resolve final details of the Rice story and then decide on Xhaka and Partey.”
Juventus move
According to Sky Sport Italia, Partey's entourage have reached an agreement with Serie A side Juventus regarding personal terms.
It is claimed that Massimiliano Allegri's side believe a fee of between €18-20million (£15-17million) may well be enough to prise the Ghana international away from north London this summer.
Saudi suitors
As per Ryan Taylor of the Express, Arsenal will receive proposals from Saudi sides in the next few days.
"Told Arsenal could receive official proposals for Thomas Partey in coming days - expected to come from one of four Saudi clubs now owed by PIF", Taylor wrote on Twitter.
"Al-Shabab also like Partey but they remain dependent on financial support from the Ministry of Sports to sign big-name players. #AFC."
Potential windfall
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Saudi sides are willing to pay Arsenal up to €40million (£34.4million) for Partey, a fairly decent return considering the player's age, injury record and contract - his current deal has just two years remaining. Writing on Twitter, Romano said: "Understand Saudi clubs are prepared to pay €40m in instalments to Arsenal for Thomas Partey.
"He’s a concrete option for Saudi - his exit is possible as revealed on Sunday. No decision yet on player side.
"He also has approaches from Europe. No new deal talks at #AFC."
London meeting
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have took a step towards completing a move for Partey after making their first 'moves' to sign the Gunners midfielder.
According to sports reporter @KDZH37 on Twitter, talks are 'very advanced' with Partey and Arsenal over a deal. Al-Ahli are also making a move for Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Saudi clubs keen
Three Saudi Arabian clubs have shown an interest in signing Partey, according to recent reports.
CBS Sports have claimed that Saudi trio Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Khaleej are all keen on the Ghana international, who will be into the final two years of his contract with Mikel Arteta's side at the end of June.
Talks ongoing
As per the Athletic, both Arsenal and Partey’s representatives are working on possible exit solutions for the 30-year-old.
It is claimed that the Gunners will consider proposals from interested clubs if a suitable opportunity arises for a sale. If the former Atletico Madrid man was to leave the north Londoners then a replacement would need to be signed, not related to Arsenal's pursuit of Declan Rice.
Arsenal open to sale
Arsenal are open to sanctioning a sale for Partey during this summer's transfer window, as per the Daily Mail.
It is claimed that the Gunners will have around £180million to play with in the market but additional money could be added to their budget through sales. And Partey, along with Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding could be sold as Mikel Arteta's side look to revamp their squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Serie A switch
According to the Mirror, Partey is a target for two clubs in the Serie A.
The 29-year-old midfielder has played a pivotal role in Arsenal's success this season but, following a drop in form, he could be offloaded as Arteta looks to spruce up his side.
Partey 'upgrade'
In an interview with bettingexpert.com, Mikael Silvestre urged Arsenal to replace Partey with Rice. The former Gunners defender said: "I think Partey has been excellent this season and he has played his best football for Arsenal.
"So, I expect him to respond and go back to his best after a few bad games. But obviously, every top club needs competition and Declan Rice, with all the respect for Thomas Partey, would be an upgrade, for sure."
La Liga return
Last summer, Partey was heavily linked with a return to La Liga following rumours of a falling out with Arteta. According to Spanish outlet AS, there were 'constant disagreements' between player and manager last season so the door was left open for a potential exit.
The Ghanaian stayed put and went on to play a crucial role in Arsenal's title charge. The report states that Partey would have cost £30million (€35m), which is £15m less than what Arsenal paid Atletico Madrid for him in 2020.
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