Barcelona are reportedly planning an unexpected move for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey once his contract with the London club expires next summer. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are keeping a close watch on the Ghanaian international as they look to bolster their squad with free transfers due to financial constraints. His current deal runs until 2025, and Arsenal has not offered him a contract extension, making him a prime target for the La Liga side.
The club is currently struggling to generate sufficient funds to register Dani Olmo in January and has once again turned to financial levers to stabilize their situation. However, despite these efforts, Barcelona may not have the necessary resources to make major signings. As a result, they are actively exploring opportunities in the free-agent market, seeking quality players who can improve their squad without requiring significant transfer fees.
Partey has managed to stay fit this season despite his past injury struggles. He has featured in 17 Premier League matches, contributing two goals and two assists. His performances have been solid, providing Arsenal with stability in midfield. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in Arsenalโs Champions League campaign, starting all six group-stage matches, which further highlights his importance to the team.
Barcelona are keen to bring in the 31-year-old as a replacement for Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is once again being pushed toward the exit door due to his high wages, which the club can no longer sustain. If Barcelona successfully offloads De Jong, Partey could emerge as a cost-effective solution to reinforce their midfield. However, some believe that the club should aim for a more ambitious signing.
One such alternative could be Bayern Munichโs Joshua Kimmich, who will also become a free agent next summer. The 29-year-old German midfielder is reportedly frustrated with Bayern’s management, particularly with sporting chief Max Eberl’s attempt to reduce his current โฌ20 million annual salary. Kimmich is open to leaving the Bundesliga champions if the contract negotiations do not go in his favor.
Barcelona could benefit greatly from signing Kimmich, as he is not only a top-class midfielder but also highly versatile. He can seamlessly operate as a defensive midfielder or at right-back, which is another area where Barcelona needs reinforcements. Given his quality and tactical flexibility, he would be a perfect fit for Xaviโs system and a significant upgrade to their current squad.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged about Liverpoolโs interest in Atlรฉtico Madrid striker Juliรกn รlvarez. The Argentine forward, who moved to Atlรฉtico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for ยฃ82 million, has been in excellent form. He has netted 23 goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances this season. While there has been speculation about a potential move to Anfield, no official bid has been made yet. However, Liverpoolโs historical interest in รlvarez suggests they may consider making an approach.
Barcelona have also been pursuing attacking reinforcements and previously attempted to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club. The winger was a top priority for the club, and they envisioned him forming a dynamic front three alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. However, financial difficulties prevented the transfer, and Athletic Club successfully convinced Williams to extend his contract. Now, Barcelona is shifting their focus to another major target: Mohamed Salah. With the Egyptian forward set to become a free agent in June, Barcelona are keen to secure his services to strengthen their attack.
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