Mikel Arteta is expected to wave goodbye to several Arsenal players this summer.
Jorginho is set to join Flamengo when his contract expires in June, the same month Raheem Sterling and Neto return to Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively when their loan deals end.
Jakub Kiwior could also leave – although the Poland international now has a surprise chance to impress Arsenal fans after Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
In the meantime – however – another player is already plotting his next move, as Thomas Partey aims to join Barcelona.
Thomas Partey wants Barcelona deal
Mundo Deportivo are now claiming that the Ghana international hopes to join Barcelona this summer.
Like Jorginho, Partey also becomes a free agent in June when his contract expires, but rather than aim to win a new contract in N5, the Arsenal No.5 is keen to team up with Hansi Flick in Catalonia.
It comes after TBR Football revealed that Barcelona have held talks with Partey about a summer move – while Atletico Madrid have also spoken to the man they sold to Arsenal in a £45m deal back in October 2020.
However, Mundo Deportivo explain that Flick already has an option ahead of the Ghanaian in Frenkie de Jong, while his secondary position on the right of defence is covered by the presence of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal behind Jules Kounde.
As a result, we would presume Partey will need to lower his current £200,000-a-week wages if he is to secure his dream move to Barcelona.
Arsenal already have a replacement lined up
With Jorginho and Partey looking likely to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, Arsenal will need to bolster the central midfield department.
The most duels won, the most tackles won and the most Arsenal touches 🥇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2024
Thomas Partey 👏 pic.twitter.com/va02OI91Eu
Fortunately, one arrival already seems to have been arranged.
David Ornstein recently claimed that Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join this summer in a move from Real Sociedad – after extensive work had been done behind the scenes.
The Spain international is currently one of Europe’s best midfielders, so it would be a real coup for Andrea Berta and Arteta if his signature can be secured.