Arsenal have reportedly slashed Thomas Partey’s asking price to just £26million ahead of a possible January transfer window exit, it has been claimed. Partey was once one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted stars but is now being linked with a departure as injuries continue to disrupt the Ghanaian’s Premier League campaign.
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus would be willing to sign the midfielder in January. However, the Serie A giants are only interested in a loan while their ability to spend money remains constrained.
Juventus could reportedly insert a clause that would give them the chance to make a temporary deal permanent in the summer. Arsenal are keen to recoup funds for players to balance their books after several years of big spending.
Partey could be one of the players Arsenal allow to leave in the near future. The 30-year-old has missed large parts of this season through injury and a fresh setback is set to keep him out for several weeks.
According to Tutto Mercato, Arsenal will only accept £26m for the former Atletico Madrid star. However, that is likely a much smaller fee than they might have wanted during the summer window, when Partey’s role in Arteta’s side was more prominent.
Partey was widely linked with a move ahead of the season but was persuaded to stay by head coach Arteta. Declan Rice’s £105m arrival raised concerns that Partey would struggle for the regular game time he had been earning for the previous few campaigns.
The combative ace suffered a groin injury in August and having returned to action earlier this month, he now has a separate muscular injury. Arteta admits that Partey’s injuries are ‘concerning’.
“Yes, it’s a big concern,” the Spaniard said. “Because when Thomas is fit and available and has been part of the team, we’ve seen what the results and the impact he has had on the team.
“This season we have more protection especially for that reason because we know in the last two seasons what has happened and the impact it has had on the team, so we had to address that.”
Partey has been limited to just 241 minutes of action across five appearances this season. Arsenal have done well in his absence, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League and sitting second behind north London rivals Tottenham.
