As the summer transfer window draws closer, Atletico Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Arsenal‘s Thomas Partey as their “great desire” for the upcoming off-season. The Ghanaian midfielder’s contract with the Gunners is set to expire on June 30, and he is free to negotiate with foreign clubs regarding a potential free transfer. With his future up in the air, Atletico Madrid is reportedly keen to bring the 31-year-old back to Spain.
As the race for Partey’s signature intensifies, both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid seem to be at a crossroads regarding the Ghanaian’s next move. While Partey is likely to be in high demand, the coming weeks will reveal whether Atletico Madrid will be successful in their pursuit or if other suitors such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus will enter the picture.
Partey’s Arsenal Journey: A Mixed Legacy
Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Thomas Partey has had an eventful career at the Emirates. Initially, his arrival was hailed as a major coup for the Gunners, with many seeing him as the solution to their midfield problems. His physicality, range of passing, and defensive solidity brought much-needed balance to Arsenal’s midfield, and for a time, he seemed to be an automatic starter in manager Mikel Arteta’s lineup.
However, Partey’s time at Arsenal has been far from flawless. Injuries have often kept him sidelined, and his performances have fluctuated, leading to questions about his consistency. Despite this, there is no denying the impact he has had when fully fit. In recent seasons, he has often been one of Arsenal’s more reliable midfielders, offering a defensive shield in front of the backline, while also contributing to the team’s attacks when required.
Despite his positive influence, Arsenal’s growing ambitions and the need for a more youthful, dynamic midfield may be prompting the club to reconsider Partey’s long-term future in North London.
The Contract Situation: A Ticking Clock
With Thomas Partey’s contract expiring this summer, the situation is becoming increasingly delicate for both Arsenal and the player. If the midfielder does not sign an extension before June, he will be free to negotiate with any club outside of the Premier League. This is a key factor in the growing interest from clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, all of whom are said to be keeping an eye on the situation.
For Arsenal, the impending departure of Partey presents a potential headache, especially as Jorginho, another key midfield figure, may also be on his way out. The Gunners are reportedly eyeing potential replacements for Partey, with Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi linked as a likely candidate to join Mikel Arteta’s midfield ranks. Zubimendi is expected to slot straight into the starting XI, potentially filling the void left by Partey if the Ghanaian departs.
Although Partey’s departure could leave a gap in the midfield, it could also offer Arsenal an opportunity to rejuvenate their midfield options. In addition to Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are rumored to be potential targets for Arteta, which would provide the team with more depth and competition in the middle of the park.
Atletico Madrid’s Strong Desire for Partey
Atletico Madrid‘s interest in Partey is well-documented. Since his departure in 2020, the club has been on the lookout for a suitable replacement to fill his role at the base of their midfield. Diego Simeone, Atletico’s ever-demanding coach, is known for his preference for gritty, combative midfielders who can break up play and dictate the tempo. Partey, who has made a name for himself as a reliable ball winner and deep-lying playmaker, fits that profile perfectly.
According to reports from MARCA, Partey is regarded as Atletico’s “great desire” for the summer window. This is a significant statement, especially when considering Atletico’s track record of pursuing top-level talent. Atletico has not been shy in recent years when it comes to bringing back former players, and the prospect of Partey returning to the Spanish capital excites many fans of the club.
Simeone’s midfield has lacked the same bite and dynamism that Partey offered during his time at the club. With players like Koke and Saul Niguez falling short of expectations in recent seasons, bringing Partey back could provide a much-needed boost to Atletico’s engine room. Furthermore, his knowledge of the Spanish league and his previous experience with the club make him an ideal candidate to help Atletico push for domestic and European honors once again.
Arsenal’s New Sporting Director: A Key Link to Atletico Madrid
A significant development in the Partey saga is Arsenal’s recent appointment of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director. Berta, formerly the sporting director at Atletico Madrid, was directly involved in the deal that saw Partey move from Atletico to Arsenal in 2020. His familiarity with the player and the inner workings of both clubs gives Arsenal a potential advantage in negotiations with Atletico.
Berta’s appointment could pave the way for discussions between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid regarding Partey’s future. While Arsenal may be open to letting Partey leave, especially if they are able to secure a top-quality replacement, the relationship between Berta and Atletico could ensure that any transfer is handled smoothly and with the best interests of both clubs in mind.
Despite the strong interest from Atletico Madrid, it is still unclear whether Partey himself will be willing to return to Spain. While Atletico represents a club that he knows well and with whom he enjoyed considerable success, there is also interest from other high-profile clubs that might appeal to the midfielder.
The Competition: Barcelona, PSG, and Juventus
If Thomas Partey does decide to leave Arsenal, Atletico Madrid will not have the market to themselves. Barcelona is reportedly interested in the Ghanaian, having been on the lookout for experienced midfield reinforcements. With Sergio Busquets set to leave the club at the end of the season, Partey could serve as an ideal replacement for the iconic Spaniard, providing the club with a more dynamic and physical presence in midfield.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also been linked with Partey in recent months. PSG, having already built a star-studded squad, may see Partey as a solid addition to their midfield, while Juventus is in the midst of a rebuild and will be looking for experienced players who can help them challenge for titles once again.
While these clubs represent strong competition for Atletico Madrid, the allure of returning to Spain and playing under a manager like Diego Simeone might ultimately prove to be a decisive factor in Partey’s decision-making process.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Thomas Partey?
With Thomas Partey’s contract running down, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where the midfielder will be playing next season. Atletico Madrid remains his reported “great desire” this summer, but Arsenal may still hope to secure an extension. The midfielder has the luxury of multiple top-tier clubs vying for his signature, which could lead to a bidding war for his services.
For Arsenal, this situation presents both challenges and opportunities. If Partey leaves, the club will have to act quickly to fill the void in midfield, but they are already well-positioned to bring in a player like Martin Zubimendi. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will hope to leverage their historical connection with Partey and bring him back to the Spanish capital, where he could once again be a key figure in their midfield.
As the summer transfer window looms, Partey’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his next move will have a significant impact on both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid‘s plans for the upcoming season.
