A way out for Thomas Partey? Barcelona and Atletico Madrid consider free transfer for Arsenal midfielder next summer

Partey's importance at Arsenal has been deteriorating since Declan Rice's move from West Ham to the Emirates, and the Ghanaian midfielder, who has been struggling since last season with injuries, has reportedly been looking for a way out of the club. Spanish publication Fichajes have now reported that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are pondering a move for Partey as a free agent once his contract expires in the summer of 2025.

Barcelona have been in the market for a defensive midfielder since Sergio Busquets' departure to Inter Miami last summer. After a failed trial with Oriol Romeu slotting in as a pivot for Xavi Hernandez's side last season, the Catalan side have now settled on Marc Bernal and Marc Casado under Hansi Flick, but both are youngsters, and Partey may offer some more experience as a potential acquisition.

As for Atletico Madrid, they have also been struggling to find a good balance in midfield and a reunion with Partey could be a good option for Diego Simeone. The Ghanaian initially impressed with the Rojiblancos before his switch to Arsenal, and a return to the familiarity of Wanda Metropolitano could also be a good thing for Partey's dwindling confidence amid a slew of injuries.

While Partey's stature as Arsenal's main defensive pivot is no longer intact with Rice's importance to Mikel Arteta's side, the Ghanaian has been a starter in all of the Gunners' games thus far this season.