Tuesday, 8 April 2025

April 08, 2025

 

Barcelona fans will be keeping a close eye on the Emirates Stadium this Tuesday evening, where Arsenal will face off against Real Madrid in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash. The match holds significant weight, not only due to the fierce competition but also because it may provide further insight into the future of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. The experienced midfielder is expected to start for Arsenal, and with his contract expiring in less than three months, this match could be an important moment in determining his next career move.







Thomas Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2022, was signed after the London club activated his €50 million release clause. Since then, he has established himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s midfield setup. However, despite his importance to the team, Partey has not yet agreed to a contract extension, and the clock is ticking as the summer transfer window approaches. If a renewal is not reached, the Ghanaian international may be on the move, and reports suggest that Barcelona is among the clubs monitoring his situation closely.

According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Partey is seen as a valuable market opportunity for Barcelona, particularly given their ongoing financial restrictions. The Catalan club is interested in players who can add quality to the squad without demanding an excessively high transfer fee, and Partey’s contractual situation makes him an appealing target.

Over the past few seasons, Partey has shown his versatility and reliability at Arsenal. He has frequently played as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, providing balance, strength, and ball retention under pressure. His ability to maintain possession, distribute passes efficiently, and support both defensive and offensive plays has made him an indispensable asset for the Gunners.

Additionally, Partey has proven himself adaptable by filling in at right-back when injuries struck Arsenal’s defense. With Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu limited to just one appearance due to injury, Partey stepped in and delivered solid performances in that unfamiliar role. In fact, during the 2024–25 Premier League season, he played at right-back in up to eight matches, demonstrating not only tactical intelligence but also a team-first mentality.

So far this season, Partey has started 36 out of the 43 matches Arsenal has played across all competitions, including crucial games in the Champions League, where he has particularly impressed. His consistent performances and ability to step up in big moments only add to his appeal for clubs like Barcelona, who are looking to reinforce their squad with dependable and experienced players.

At Barcelona, the defensive midfield role is currently filled by young talents such as Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal, both of whom have shown promise for the future. Additionally, Frenkie de Jong continues to play a central role in midfield, and he has reportedly expressed no desire to leave the club. However, should de Jong’s situation change—especially with his contract expiring in 2026—Barcelona may be forced to reassess their midfield options.

Given the heavy workload of players like Jules Koundé, who has played 100 consecutive matches, Barcelona’s management is also considering bringing in additional defensive support. Although Partey is not a natural right-back, his ability to cover that position makes him even more valuable.

All these factors combined make Thomas Partey a player worth watching closely as the season draws to a close. Whether he remains at Arsenal or makes a high-profile move—possibly to Barcelona—his performances in the coming weeks could play a key role in shaping the next chapter of his career.

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