Barcelona have reportedly identified Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as a potential signing during this summer's transfer window.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the Ghana international's future, with his contract at the Emirates Stadium due to expire in the summer of 2025.
Partey has been restricted to just 13 appearances in all competitions this season due to injury problems, but he played the full 90 minutes of last weekend's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The North London derby proved to be the first time that the midfielder had played a full league match for the Gunners since the second matchday of the 2023-24 campaign.
According to journalist Adrian Sanchez, Barcelona have identified the 30-year-old as a potential summer arrival and are keen to begin discussions to understand the cost of the deal.
© Reuters
Barcelona 'keen to sign Thomas Partey this summer'
Arsenal are expected to offer Jorginho a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are vital figures for the Gunners.
As a result, the club could be open to selling Partey, with a new deal looking unlikely at this stage.
Juventus have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who made the move to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020.
Partey has represented Mikel Arteta's side on 112 occasions in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering four assists in the process.
The midfielder has 92 Premier League appearances to his name, scoring five goals and registering three assists, and he could help Arteta's side get over the line in terms of this season's title.
© Reuters
Thomas Partey is proven in La Liga
Partey starred for Atletico between 2013 and 2020, with his performances in the Spanish capital leading to a host of interest, with Manchester United believed to have been keen ahead of his switch to Arsenal.
The midfielder made 188 appearances for Atletico in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and registering 12 assists in the process.
Partey featured on 132 occasions in La Liga, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists, and he is allegedly wanted by Barcelona to play the holding midfield role at the club next season.
Andreas Christensen has been used in midfield of late due to midfield injuries for Barcelona, with Gavi out since last December, while Frenkie de Jong has had three separate ankle issues this term.
De Jong could potentially leave this summer if a substantial offer arrives, while Oriol Romeu will depart, having struggled to break into the first XI this season.