The Ghana international is reportedly weighing up his options ahead of the arrival of the West Ham midfielder for a British record fee
Thomas Partey could be set to leave Arsenal this summer as the Gunners look to shuffle their midfield ranks in the coming weeks.
Arsenal are currently in talks to sign midfielder Declan Ruce from West Ham in a deal believed to be worth £100million and that could potentially see a midfield shakeup.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Partey could leave the North London club this summer even though he is among the club’s top earners and still has two years remaining on his contract.
“Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit,” Romano said via Twitter on Sunday.
“Current contract expiring in June 2025 and no talks to extend as of today. Arsenal priority remains Declan Rice.”
Partey joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020 from Atletico Madrid and has formed a strong partnership with Granit Xhaka who is also set to leave the club for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
The Ghana international is among the key players for Mikel Arteta’s side with his importance to the team highlighted with their struggles in the middle of the park whenever he is missing.
However, with the Gunners looking to firm up the midfield with Rice, it looks like Partey feels his role might be reduced hence the need to look elsewhere.
Arsenal have already had a bid in the region of £80 million turned down by West Ham for Rice, with the Hammers holding out for close to the British transfer record of £100 million.
A number of Arsenal players will also be leaving the club to free up spaces in the squad, with left-back Kieran Tierney, winger Nicolas Pepe and young forward Folarin Balogun all potentially on their way out in the coming weeks.
If recent reports are to believed, Crystal Palace have entered the race for Balogun as the Gunners wish to insert a special clause should he depart.