Barça are unstoppable on the pitch, but weak in the market given their financial situation. The problems with the salary cap make it difficult for them to sign players. Furthermore, although there is money, it is not unlimited, so they cannot make large investments either, so the culé team is looking for bargains in the market.
A zero-cost signing
With the financial outlook that Barça has, it is not surprising that they are eyeing up zero-cost operations that can strengthen the team without spending large amounts of money. In this sense, the Barça club has shown a specific interest in signing Thomas Partey for the next summer window. Five years on, the Ghanaian could return to the Spanish league. The midfielder, now 31, has managed to make his way onto the agenda of two of our country’s biggest clubs: FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, where he has already played.
The Arsenal midfielder’s contract ends next June and there has been no movement on its renewal in recent weeks, and several European clubs are also keeping an eye on his future. In London, he has played 86% of the minutes this season, but the high level of competition does not guarantee him continuity for next season and the Catalans could be interested in adding a more physical profile like the African’s in midfield.
His versatility, as he can play both as a midfielder and as a full-back, and his physical strength make him a Barça target. In addition, the player knows LaLiga very well having been at Atlético Madrid. The two clubs have already held talks with the player’s entourage to discuss his signing ahead of the summer market.
The midfielder’s contract ends this season and, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça is among his favorite options for the next stage of his career. It is a populated area at Barça where, barring surprises in any last-minute departures, no moves are expected.
Arsenal have made some attempts to retain him, the player seems more than willing to take advantage of the end of his contract to embark on new adventures far from the Emirates Stadium. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Ghanaian has given absolute priority to a possible landing at FC Barcelona.
At Can Barça they are fully aware of this and, although they value the fact that he could be recruited at zero cost, they are clear that they will only consider signing him if the right circumstances arise. Of course, there is also the possibility that Barça will see Partey as a replacement for the right-back position, as the player has played in that position in a total of 13 official matches this season.
The obstacles facing Barça in the signing
Despite the financial ease of his arrival without having to pay any money, the signing of Thomas Partey is by no means a done deal. As we said, in addition to Atlético Madrid, he is also being closely watched by Juventus.
Furthermore, Arsenal have not given up on him and are said to be preparing an offer to extend his stay at the club for a few more years given his good performance. In recent months, the Gunners have tried to renew his contract, but the negotiations have come up against the player’s desire to maintain a salary that the Londoners no longer want to meet.