Arsenal opt against handing star new deal with three-man transfer shortlist drawn up

Thomas Partey’s contract at Arsenal continues to wind down and the club are yet to offer a new deal with the player poised to leave as Mikel Arteta eyes the likes of Martin Zubimendi this summer

Arsenal are yet to begin contract talks with Thomas Partey and the midfielder looks increasingly like he will leave this summer as part of a midfield reshuffle.

The Ghanaian was signed from Atletico Madrid for over £40million back in 2020 but now, ahead of his 32nd birthday, the Gunners seem to be preparing for life without him. Mikel Arteta has been ruthless in his recruitment and retention in the past and Partey may now be on the way out.

There isn’t a shortage of interest in him with several top clubs in Europe eyeing his services. Barcelona remain keen as do Juventus, who are known to have a long-term interest in the ex-Atletico man.

Arsenal’s priority midfield signing this summer is likely to be Martin Zubimendi. Arteta is known to be an admirer and the player’s stock rose further when he impressed at Euro 2024. Real Sociedad were able to rebuff Liverpool’s interest last summer but could now be resigned to his exit.

Jorginho is another man whose stay at the Emirates could be coming to an end. He moved across London from Chelsea and is very much a squad player at present with his contract due to expire in a matter of months. The Italian is tipped to join Flamengo in Brazil, reports Charles Watts.

As the north Londoners look to regenerate their squad Arteta is keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. The German is out of contract this summer and the Bavarians have just pulled back their offer of a new deal, which could make him available for nothing.

There is likely to be a clamour for his signing. Kimmich came through at Bayern when Pep Guardiola was in charge and the Manchester City boss may eye a reunion.

Another player on Arsenal ‘s radar is highly-rated Norwegian teenager Sverre Nypan. He is currently at Rosenborg but is tipped to move on in the summer with a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, keeping tabs on his movements and development.

Arteta has continued to add to his midfield in recent summers. Last year it was Mikel Merino who joined from Sociedad whilst 12 months prior to that Declan Rice joined in a club-record move. Attention this summer is also likely to centre on a forward with the lack of a prolific No 9 harming Arsenal this term.

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