Thomas Partey has “already let” Arsenal know that “he wants to leave in January”, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.com.
The Italian website claims that the Ghanaian international has firmly set his sights on a transfer away from the Emirates, although he hasn’t decided where he will move to.
Juventus are interested in signing Partey but the player is very much hedging his bets at the moment ahead of the next transfer window.
The 30-year-old is said to be keen on hearing more proposals from rival Premier League clubs, and he would also consider a return to Spain.
Why is Partey pressing for a move away from Arsenal?
There are a couple of reasons why the midfielder could be interested in leaving the Gunners. Firstly, the signing of Declan Rice in the summer means he may no longer be a regular starter.
Partey did start the Premier League season in the team but manager Mikel Arteta opted to use him at right-back; a position that the player may not want to play.
Secondly, the Ghanaian’s contract expires at the end of next season and, if he has been told that he won’t be offered an extension, he may decide that he is better off going somewhere where he feels wanted.
Partey’s injury record may influence Arsenal’s decision on whether to keep him
The Gunners are unlikely to fight that hard to keep Partey due to his fitness problems. The midfielder has already sustained two separate injuries this season and there are fears that he could now be out until the New Year.
During his three years with the London club, Partey has spent nearly 300 days on the treatment table. Considering that he is the team’s 5th highest earner (on £200,000 a week), Arsenal may feel it is time to cut their losses.
