Arsenal make Thomas Partey contract decision as Barcelona lead three-club chase | OneFootball

Arsenal are not expected to offer Thomas Partey a new contract, opening up the possibility of a free transfer to Barcelona or two other European giants.

Manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly turned to the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, who can also be deployed at right-back, but may not have that option next season as Partey's contract expires in June.

Journalist Charles Watts, who closely reports on Arsenal, states the north Londoners have not begun negotiations over a new deal for Partey and have no intention of doing so. If the 31-year-old does become a free agent in July, he won't be short of suitors.

Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all named as interested parties, while there is also thought to be admiring glances from Saudi Arabia. Partey's preference, however, is thought to be remaining in Europe.

Alongside Partey, Arsenal are expected to lose fellow midfielder Jorginho. The Italy international was the subject of intense interest from Brazilian club Flamengo during the winter window but had a move away blocked by Arsenal.

Arteta will still have Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to call upon as defensively minded midfield options next season and the Gunners are chasing after Real Sociedad's pivot Martin Zubimendi. They face competition from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid, but are confident of securing the highly rated Spain international.

If the Gunners are inclined to go for a more experienced central option, they could step up their interest in Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich. The captain of the German national team is embroiled in a public stand-off with his current employers but - much like Partey - is set to become a free agent in the summer.

Unlike the error-prone Ghana international, Kimmich remains one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.