Saudi Arabian clubs showing interest in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey?

A number of Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly hold an interest in signing Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.

The 30-year-old has just been heavily involved in the Gunners' bid to win the Premier League title, one which ultimately ended in failure despite spending a large period of the season in top spot.

During 2022-23, Partey made a total of 30 starts and five substitute appearances in the league, chipping in with three goals throughout the campaign.

However, it has become apparent that it will be all change in the Arsenal midfield next season with Granit Xhaka seemingly on his way to Bayer Leverkusen.

Furthermore, the North Londoners are already in the process of making some notable additions, including that of West Ham United's Declan Rice in a deal which could reach £100m.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also allegedly keen to secure the signing of Southampton Romeo Lavia, who is expected to leave the Saints after their relegation to the Championship.

With Arsenal potentially shelling out in the region of £150m for those two players, and with Kai Havertz also on the way from Chelsea, the recent Premier League runners-up need to generate funds and free up space in their squad.

According to 90min, that has led to club officials giving the green light to Partey to explore a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are said to be happy for the Ghana international to discuss a switch to a Saudi Arabian club, aware that it could lead to receiving a bigger fee than they may receive from a European team.

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Over the past 48 hours, it has become clear that clubs from the Saudi Pro League are willing to pay lucrative fees to sign some major names from the top five leagues in Europe.

Al-Hilal are ready to pay £47m, a national record, to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, while it appears that a number of Chelsea's squad players will be linking up with Saudi Arabian clubs.

Although Arsenal will be open to a European team bidding for Partey, it appears that they acknowledge that more money may come from elsewhere and that the player could be tempted into making the move.

Partey, who cost £45m when signing from Atletico Madrid in 2020, still has just two years on his contract, but there is little chance of a renewal between the relevant parties at this stage.