Barcelona sporting directors are spending a lot more time scouring the free agent market these days compared to a decade ago, and one of the players out of contract next summer with his name circled in red is Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. The 31-year-old made his breakthrough at Atletico Madrid before moving to London.
According to MD, Partey is one of several players Barcelona are evaluating as options for free signings. Others such as Jonathan Tah and Jonathan David are better documented, but the Ghanaian midfielder would be a potential alternative to arrive on a free transfer next summer if Frenkie de Jong leaves. The Blaugrana predict they will put De Jong up for sale next summer, depending on whether he signs a new contract. Partey would fit into some of the boxes mentioned by Deco: experienced, physically imposing and versatile. The Portuguese has been an admirer of Partey for some time.
The Ghana international remains a key part of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal activities after starting 14 of his 18 Premier League games this season, and all six in the Champions League, missing one through injury. Partey is certainly a more imposing option than most of Barcelona's options, and outside of Marc Casado he is by far the most defensive-minded player Hansi Flick can use.
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