Saudi clubs ‘approach’ Arsenal star while Arteta holds out for ‘important fee’ as Man Utd lurk

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, although his priority is to continue in Europe as things stand.

The Gunners have added to their midfield options with Kai Havertz and the impending deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice.

Granit Xhaka has already left for Bayer Leverkusen and Partey could soon follow him out the door.

Along with Xhaka, Partey formed the base of Arsenal’s midfield last season. He featured in 33 Premier League matches and has been a regular under Mikel Arteta.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Saudi clubs are particularly interested in the 30-year-old, although his priority is to stay in Europe.

“I’m told Saudi clubs will try to approach Thomas Partey again in the next few days,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“On the player side, the priority remains European football and he wants to continue in Europe. Let’s see if Saudi clubs will be able to change his mind.

“As previously reported, it will also be important to persuade Arsenal because they want an important fee to let Partey go.”

Arteta seems keen on rejuvenating the spine of his squad and while Partey would be a loss, someone like Rice would represent a long-term upgrade.

The Gunners had the youngest squad in the Premier League last season and Arteta is keen to add to those young stars.

Along with attracting interest from Saudi, Partey does also have his admirers in Europe. Both Manchester United and Juventus have been linked with the 30-year-old.

Paul Ince has backed Man Utd in making a move for Partey as he believes the Arsenal star would be a sensible addition.

“There’s also talk about Thomas Partey leaving Arsenal. You think about the first six months of the season, Partey was absolutely fantastic,” Ince explained.

“Jorginho came in and, for some reason, he stopped getting games. That’s when Arsenal started losing and drawing games. I’d be looking at someone like him or Kessie.”

Partey is under contract at Arsenal until 2025 and so the club are still in a strong position to dictate his market value.

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