Saudi Arabia’s interest in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has resurfaced, with reports that the PIF has established contact with the player
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has resurfaced following last summer’s pursuits. According to CaughtOffside, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has approached the Ghanaian player, whose contract with Arsenal ends in June 2025, to negotiate personal terms for a potential transfer this summer.
Partey, 31, has shown an openness to exploring new opportunities, reminiscent of last year when he received lucrative offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. However, he chose to stay with the Gunners for another season, hoping to revitalize his career amid interest from Juventus.
After a challenging and largely unfulfilling season, Partey—reportedly earning £200k-a-week according to Capology—is now expected to depart in search of new opportunities. Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have expressed interest in the midfielder, but Saudi negotiators are keen to expedite the process to outpace their competitors.
As of now, Arsenal have not received any formal contact regarding Partey. The PIF plans to first finalise personal terms with the player, including determining the specific Saudi Pro League club he would join, before initiating talks with Arsenal.
The Gunners are open to selling the former Atletico Madrid star before his contract expires in 2025 and have set a transfer fee of £30 million for Partey as the summer transfer window heats up. Despite a slow start in the market, Arsenal is poised for significant moves after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, has been a crucial player for the team, making over 110 appearances. However, his time at Arsenal has been marred by injuries, especially in the 2023/24 season, where he missed 34 games and played less than 900 minutes across 16 matches.
Arsenal’s transfer strategy includes bolstering their forward line, with a priority on securing a top-tier striker and winger. A new midfielder is also on the agenda, contingent on outgoing transfers. Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Aaron Ramsdale are rumored to be potential departures, which could influence the club’s transfer funds.
