Thomas Partey eyeing free transfer to Barcelona this summer - but Arsenal midfielder likely to miss out on dream move unless Catalans sell key man or make surprise right-back decision

Partey is expected to run his contract down and leave Arsenal for free this summer, and one of the teams linked with a Bosman move for the midfielder are Barcelona. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the Catalans are at the very top of Partey's list for a summer switch, but the La Liga giants will not go ahead with the signing unless one of their key midfielders is sold or if they make a surprise right-back decision.

The report reveals that Barcelona are currently happy with their midfield core and believe that signing Partey is not a necessity. Indeed, things have changed since the start of the season, with Frenkie de Jong, who was tipped for an exit this summer, now close to signing an extension after nailing down his spot in Hansi Flick's XI. Not just that, Barca are also confident that in Marc Casado and Marc Bernal — the latter expected to be fit before the next season starts — they have adequate cover in the holding midfielder position.

The only way Barca's hand could be forced is if De Jong unexpectedly departs, or if Partey agrees to deputise for Jules Kounde in the right-back position. The Blaugrana are keen on signing a right-back to add depth to their defence. Partey has already covered for Takehiro Tomiyasu in that role this season, with his role seemingly diminishing in Arsenal's midfield due to the prominence of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, and the emergence of Mikel Merino.

Having started in 36 of the 43 games that Arsenal have played this term, Partey will be expected to feature once again on Tuesday when the Gunners welcome reigning champions Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.