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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Thomas Partey edges closer to Arsenal exit as trio of Saudi clubs eye transfer

Thomas Partey has interest from three Saudi clubs, with Arsenal potentially prepared to listen to offers.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been a regular - when fit - since moving to North London from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Now, though, he could be allowed to move on as Mikel Arteta looks to refresh his midfield.

Arsenal continue to eye up Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, among others, as they aim to position themselves for another title tilt in the 2023-24 season. They are bracing themselves to lose long-serving midfielder Granit Xhaka, though, and Partey could be next out the door.

According to CBS, Partey is on the radar of Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Khaleej. The former, where former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo plays his football, have also been linked with a swoop for Partey's ex-Atleti colleague Saul Niguez.

The Athletic, meanwhile, reports that Arsenal and Partey's representatives have been working on a potential exit route for the 30-year-old. Whether he favours a Saudi switch, however, is a different matter.

Partey is under contract with Arsenal until 2025. However, with no progress said to have been made over a new deal, the Premier League side appears ready to entertain offers.

Arsenal's number five has made 99 appearances for the club, including 40 in all competitions last season as the Gunners finished second in the league, scoring three of his five club career goals last term. An effort against Tottenham in the North London Derby last season was among those nominated for the Gunners' goal of the season award.

Thomas Partey's exit could free up funds for a new signing (Getty Images)

When it comes to Rice, Arsenal will need to return with a new bid after seeing a second offer knocked back by West Ham. The latest bid was worth £75m, potentially rising to £90m with add-ons, but the Hammers are believed to want nine figures for their captain.

A move to the Emirates Stadium still looks to be the most likely for Rice, who favours the switch despite interest from Manchester City. The England midfielder isn't the only man on Arsenal's shopping list, though.

January target Moises Caicedo could end up being priced out of a move, with Chelsea appearing to lead the way for the Ecuadorian international. One man who continues to be mentioned in connection with the Gunners, however, is Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

The teenager is in high demand after impressing last term for the relegated south coast side. Former club Manchester City have a buy-back option for the Belgian, but this does not kick in until 2024, allowing the likes of Arsenal to steal a march on their rivals this summer.

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