Arsenal Near Partey Sale; Two Big-Money Transfer Almost Done
Arsenal are on the brink of finalising the sale of Thomas Partey, with details of the financial return beginning to emerge.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian midfielder was the subject of transfer speculation last summer, with potential moves to Saudi Arabia and Juventus.
However, Partey remained in north London.
Injuries limited Partey to just 16 appearances last season, and with only one year left on his contract, his departure now seems inevitable.
Arsenal reportedly have no intention of offering him an extension, making the current transfer window, which opened today, the perfect time to sell.
Partey is again attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
According to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, discussions regarding his move to the Middle East have recently resumed.
Although the specific club is yet to be confirmed, it will be one of the four PIF-backed sides: Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, or Al-Ahli.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli were particularly keen on Partey last year.
Thomas Partey Transfer Accelerates and Fee
Reports indicate that Partey’s transfer is progressing swiftly.
ESPN claimed the midfielder is ‘close to finalising a move,’ while Football Insider provided details on the expected fee.
Arsenal are set to receive between £20m and £25m for Partey.
This amount is significantly lower than the £45m paid to Atletico Madrid four years ago, but it remains a substantial sum for a player in his 30s with a history of injuries and only one year left on his contract.
As is typical with moves to the Saudi Pro League, Partey can anticipate a lucrative contract if the transfer goes through.
Arsenal Eyeing Zubimendi as Replacement
Partey’s departure will create space and funds for a younger, more ambitious player.
According to Football Insider, Mikel Arteta and Edu are targeting Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad to fill the gap.
The 25-year-old has long been on Arsenal’s radar and can be signed by activating his €60m (£51m) release clause.
Recently, Manchester City have also shown interest in Zubimendi, planning to target him alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz in 2025.
However, Arsenal could disrupt City’s plans by moving for Zubimendi a year earlier.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a move is plausible.
There has been speculation that Zubimendi is content at his boyhood club and might reject a transfer even if a team like Arsenal came calling.
However, Romano has noted that such claims are premature and that Zubimendi’s future remains undecided. His €60m release clause keeps the situation open.
Arsenal’s Prospects and Zubimendi’s Fit
Arsenal are confident they can persuade Zubimendi to join them in north London.
The Gunners are a team on the rise, having narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season.
Zubimendi would likely slot into Arteta’s midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, with Jorginho moving to the bench and Kai Havertz available for a more attacking role if needed.
