Posted by Former England and Liverpool winger, John Barnes has said that he will be surprised if Arsenal sell Ghanaian international Thomas Partey amid the arrival of Declan Rice.
Thomas Partey has in recent days being linked with a move away from Arsenal, with Juventus, Monaco and a number of Saudi Arabian clubs said to be keen.
The 30-year-old’s current Arsenal contract expires in June 2025 and Arsenal are happy to cash in now, rather than run the risk of losing him for free in the future, a situation that staggers John Barnes.
“Arsenal potentially selling Thomas Partey would surprise me because I think he’s their best defensive player,” Barnes told Futfanatico.
“Is it a personality thing with Partey? Partey has done really well for Arsenal but it could be similar to Cancelo with Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
“We don’t know the ins and outs of it but I am surprised because he’s a strong defensive midfielder.
“Declan Rice could be coming in so they may decide Rice is the best option going forward,” he ended.
Partey joined Arsenal for €50m in October 2020 from Atletico Madrid, where he had made 188 appearances over five years with the La Liga side.
The Ghanaian has played 99 times for Arsenal, scoring five goals and providing four assists.