Arsenal Close to Finalising Big-Money Transfers; Shatter Man City's Plan
Partey, 31, was considered for sale during the previous summer window, with moves to Saudi Arabia or Juventus considered viable options. However, a spate of injuries restricted the Ghanaian international to only 16 appearances, and with one year left on his contract, an imminent exit now appears to be on the cards. The Gunners seem to have no intention of offering an extension, and prominent clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reignited their interest in him.
As per insider info from Rudy Galetti, Partey's final destination isn't clear yet, but it looks like one of the four PIF-backed clubs (Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli) will secure him, with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli expressing the most significant interest.
The transfer of Partey is expected to range between £20m and £25m, a drop from the £45m Arsenal invested in him four years ago from Atletico Madrid.
Partey's exit is expected to provide room and funds for a new face to join; Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is rumored to be that player. Arsenal's interest in the 25-year-old midfielder isn't new, and he can be signed through a €60m/£51m release clause. Man City's interest in Zubimendi recently became public knowledge; however, the Premier League champions have planned for a transfer only by 2025.
In what could turn out to be a strategic move, Arsenal could act one year ahead of City's plan for Zubimendi. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes that even though Zubimendi is settling well at his current club, his future remains undecided.
Provided the transfer takes place, Zubimendi is expected to comfortably settle into Arteta's midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. This would mean Jorginho assuming a bench role, with Kai Havertz stepping into midfield if Arteta favors a more attacking trio.
Source: teamtalk.com
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