Before facing Real Madrid… Arsenal star surprises everyone and asks to leave for Barcelona in the next Mercato

The impending clash between two European footballing giants, Arsenal and Real Madrid, has ignited a fervor of anticipation across the globe. As the Emirates Stadium in London prepares to host the first leg of their tantalizing Champions League quarter-final encounter, the spotlight intensifies not only on the tactical strategies and star players poised to take the field but also on the undercurrents of potential player movements that often swirl beneath the surface of such high-stakes fixtures.

Amidst the pre-match buzz and tactical analyses, a surprising revelation has emerged from the Arsenal camp, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of one of their key midfielders. Reports emanating from various press outlets have indicated that Ghanaian international Thomas Partey has expressed a desire to seek pastures new during the upcoming summer transfer window. This unexpected development has sent ripples of speculation throughout the footballing fraternity, particularly with the name of Spanish powerhouse Barcelona being prominently linked with a potential swoop for his services.

The timing of this news is particularly intriguing, coinciding with Arsenal’s crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid. For Partey, this high-profile encounter could potentially mark one of his final appearances in the Gunners’ red and white stripes. His current contract with the North London club is drawing towards its expiration at the end of the ongoing season, a contractual situation that opens the door for a Bosman transfer, allowing him to depart on a free transfer in the summer mercato.

Further fueling the speculation surrounding Partey’s potential exit is a report previously published by the British newspaper “The Mirror.” According to this report, Arsenal’s management has reportedly identified a list of as many as eleven players who could be shown the exit door at the conclusion of the current campaign. This proposed restructuring of the squad, aimed at injecting fresh impetus and reshaping the team’s dynamics, purportedly includes Partey alongside other notable names such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this unfolding saga is a report originating from the Spanish media. According to a press report published by the reputable Catalan daily “Mundo Deportivo,” Thomas Partey harbors a distinct aspiration to embark on a new chapter in his career by joining the ranks of FC Barcelona on a free transfer. The Ghanaian midfielder is reportedly keen to capitalize on his current contractual status with Arsenal to facilitate a move to the Camp Nou.

However, the same “Mundo Deportivo” report also highlights that while Barcelona holds an interest in potentially acquiring Partey’s services, his arrival is contingent upon a confluence of factors. Foremost among these considerations is the current composition of Barcelona’s midfield department. The Catalan giants already boast a talented trio of players operating in similar central midfield roles: the promising academy graduate Marc Casado, the industrious Bernal, and the highly influential Dutch international Frenkie de Jong.

The presence of these established midfielders, particularly De Jong, who is reportedly content and has no intentions of seeking a move away from Barcelona, presents a potential obstacle to Partey’s prospective transfer. Barcelona’s financial situation, which has been a subject of much discussion in recent years, could also play a significant role in determining whether they pursue a move for the Ghanaian international.

The “Mundo Deportivo” report concludes by suggesting that Barcelona’s management may be compelled to reassess their transfer strategy and contractual plans should Frenkie de Jong unexpectedly decide to depart the club during the summer transfer window. Alternatively, the Catalan club might consider bolstering their right-back options, although this is not Thomas Partey’s primary area of expertise, making such a scenario less likely.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama of Arsenal’s Champions League encounter against Real Madrid, the subplot surrounding Thomas Partey’s potential departure and his reported desire to join Barcelona adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. Whether this desire will ultimately materialize into a concrete transfer remains to be seen, contingent on a complex interplay of contractual situations, squad dynamics, and strategic decisions from both Arsenal and Barcelona. The coming weeks and months promise to be pivotal in shaping the future of the talented Ghanaian midfielder.