Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey - due to become a free agent next summer - as a possible replacement for Frenkie de Jong.
The Gunners are said to be at 'serious risk' of losing Ghana international Partey, who will be in the last six months of his contract by the time New Year's Day rolls around.
Partey will therefore be free to start negotiating pre-contract deals with foreign clubs from January onwards, and there is not believed to have been a breakthrough in contract talks with his camp.
As the former Atletico Madrid man will also be turning 32 in 2025, there is a strong chance that Arsenal could part ways with the midfielder, even if they were to take a huge hit on the £41.4m they paid for him in 2020.
A lucrative move to Saudi Arabia has long been mooted, but according to Mundo Deportivo - via The Mirror - Barcelona have now emerged as shock contenders to bring Partey back to La Liga.
Partey to replace De Jong at Camp Nou?
© Imago
The 31-year-old has already proven himself in the Spanish top flight with Atletico, whom he represented for eight years from 2012 to 2020, collecting a 2020-21 La Liga winners' medal despite leaving early on in the season.
The report claims that Barcelona are following Partey's situation with 'particular intent', and the Ghanaian is a genuine option to succeed De Jong at Barcelona if the Dutchman bids farewell in 2025.
De Jong is about to enter the last 18 months of his deal with Hansi Flick's team, and Premier League leaders Liverpool are the latest team to supposedly show an interest in signing him next year.
La Blaugrana may be resigned to losing De Jong in 2025 if the 27-year-old does not agree a renewal, and Partey - despite being a few years older - fits the bill in terms of what the club are looking for in a replacement.
Barcelona could sign the midfielder for nothing when his Arsenal deal expires, and sporting director Deco is said to be a huge fan of Partey thanks to his versatility and physical profile.
The 31-year-old has predominantly played in a holding midfield role during his time in North London, but he can also occupy a number eight position or fill in as a right-back.
Should Arsenal consider Partey bids in January?
© Imago
Gooners widely expected Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to be Arsenal's first-choice midfield going forward, but the latter's early injury and slow adaptation to English football has been Partey's gain.
The Ghana international's North London career has been blighted by injuries, but he continues to prove his worth to Arteta as a standout option when fit, mopping up at the base of midfield and also scoring the odd cracker from range.
Partey doing the dirty work also allows Rice to venture further forward - where he has proven to be particularly effective since joining Arsenal - and Arteta surely cannot fathom letting a key player leave midway through the season.
However, Arsenal have already seen too many big-money signings walk out for nothing in recent times, and if the board were to let it happen again with Partey, that would be another huge blot on their financial notebook.
Ben Knapton
