Arsenal could face a challenge from a massive European club in their battle to keep Thomas Partey, according to reports in the Catalan media.

The Ghanaian international is out of contract at the end of the season and it was originally assumed that he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

However, it is now believed that the Gunners have begun talks to extend Partey’s stay at the Emirates.

At this stage, there are no guarantees that the 31-year-old will sign a new deal and Mundo Deportivo claim a rival team could complicate matters, stating the Partey “is in Barcelona’s sights”.

Partey is open to returning to Spain

Mundo Deportivo report that Barca are “closely monitoring his situation” and there is still a chance he could make the move back to La Liga.

The Catalan publication say that Partey has reacted “very positively” to the possibility of joining Barcelona, although there are stumbling blocks to any move going ahead.

Financial problems mean that the La Liga leaders would need to offload a player first. Frenkie de Jong would be the most likely candidate, considering he plays the same position as Partey, but there is no indication that the Dutchman will leave the Camp Nou at the moment.

A lot hinges on the contract offer Arsenal table

It is believed that the Gunners are hoping to extend Partey’s contract by an extra year, with an option for another twelve months.

However, there are also rumours that the midfielder would have to take a pay cut on the £200,000 a week he is currently earning.

If that is the case, Partey may still consider joining another team. In addition to Barca, his former club Atletico Madrid and Juventus have been mentioned as other potential destinations.

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