Arsenal reportedly face a challenge to fend off interest in midfielder Thomas Partey.
There have been times during his stint at the Emirates Stadium when Partey has dropped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
However, the Ghana international has started the 2024-25 campaign with three successive starts, scoring in the 2-0 victory away at Aston Villa.
With Declan Rice suspended for Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, the 31-year-old's influence in the engine room could prove key in securing a result against their fierce rivals.
Off the pitch, though, the Gunners hierarchy face a decision regarding how to handle the future of the former Atletico Madrid man over the coming months.
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Interest increasing in Partey
Partey currently has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Arsenal already at risk of losing a former big-money addition on a free transfer.
The most recent window was their last chance to guarantee a fee, but Partey could now plausibly reach the turn of the year and be in a position to assess his options.
According to CaughtOffside, former club Atletico are among three European giants who are interested in negotiating a deal with the player.
La Liga rivals Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the situation, with Juventus allegedly eyeing a scenario where they can add an experienced free agent to their ranks.
Of the three, the Italian outfit are showing the most interest in Partey, being prepared to hand him a three-year contract to make the switch to Turin.
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Saudi Pro League clubs also in the race?
The report adds that each of Al-Hilal and Al Ahli may also choose to make a formal approach having held a long-standing interest.
Arsenal officials must now contemplate whether it is worth handing a contract extension to a player who has only made 118 appearances for the club since 2020.
Much may depend on if he is able to put together a run of successive matches without getting injured. Partey is already just 519 minutes short of the total of minutes that he played in last season's Premier League.
Darren Plant
