Latest news with #ThomasPartey
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Arsenal target surprise Premier League midfielder
Arsenal Eye Brentford Skipper as Partey Successor – Could Norgaard Be the Answer? Midfield Overhaul Underway at Arsenal Arsenal's midfield rebuild is gaining momentum this summer, with significant changes on the cards. Martin Zubimendi's arrival from Real Sociedad is all but confirmed, but the exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey have left a glaring void at the base of midfield. Advertisement As reported by The Mirror, the Gunners are now exploring a surprise option: Brentford's Christian Norgaard. The 31-year-old Dane has emerged as a potential target, with Arsenal considering a move to bolster their depth and experience in central midfield. With two years remaining on his contract and Brentford open to business under the right conditions, a deal could be feasible—especially if Norgaard fancies one last big step in his career. Norgaard's Experience Could Prove Valuable Since joining Brentford in 2019, Norgaard has been a cornerstone of the club's rise and resilience in the Premier League. A composed and intelligent operator, he helped the Bees secure top-flight survival for five consecutive seasons. Last term, he made 34 appearances under Thomas Frank and continued to feature regularly for Denmark. 'The Bees captain has been integral to the club securing five straight seasons of Premier League football,' wrote The Mirror. At 31, Norgaard might not fit the usual Arsenal recruitment profile, but in a squad now lighter in midfield experience, he could provide crucial balance. Departures Spark Urgency in Midfield Reinforcement With Jorginho having already joined Flamengo and Partey expected to leave at the end of his contract, Mikel Arteta must act decisively. Partey's influence was substantial—he featured 52 times in all competitions last season. Losing both him and Jorginho without adequate replacements would leave the Gunners exposed. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Arsenal will hope Zubimendi can transition quickly to English football, but banking solely on him and Declan Rice would be risky. A steady, low-cost option like Norgaard, who understands the Premier League's physical and tactical demands, could be ideal cover. Value Over Flash: A Smart Squad Addition? While not the headline-grabbing name fans may crave, Norgaard offers a sensible mix of experience, defensive reliability, and leadership. As The Mirror notes, 'if Arsenal made a move and Norgaard was interested in a final big move… then the Bees may allow him to exit for a cut-price fee.' In a market inflated by PSR constraints, this type of opportunistic move could prove shrewd. Arsenal's long-term ambitions require both squad depth and quality, and Norgaard ticks several of those boxes. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From an Arsenal supporter's point of view, the link to Christian Norgaard is a curveball—but not an entirely unwelcome one. On paper, it may seem underwhelming compared to the likes of Zubimendi or the big-money targets often discussed. But dig a little deeper, and there's a logic to it. Advertisement First, Mikel Arteta has shown he values tactical intelligence and positional discipline—traits Norgaard brings in spades. At Brentford, he was the anchor that allowed their dynamic forwards and wing-backs to flourish. He reads danger well, breaks up play, and recycles possession efficiently—traits that would benefit Arsenal, especially in games where control is key. His age could be a sticking point for some fans, especially given the club's focus on youth. But if Norgaard is available for a modest fee, he represents a risk-free option with immediate utility. He wouldn't block the development of players like Rice or Zubimendi, but rather provide mentoring and rotation. Of course, whether Brentford would sell to a London rival, and whether Norgaard himself would accept a role that may not guarantee week-in, week-out starts, remains to be seen. But as far as experienced cover goes, this is a move that could make sense—especially in a season where Arsenal aim to challenge on multiple fronts again.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano Offers Major Update on Arsenal Veteran's Contract Status Amid Barcelona, PSG Links
PSG may have plenty of midfield depth, but their lack of size remains a concern—one reason they're reportedly keeping an eye on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Fabian Ruiz, at 6-foot-2 (1.89 meters), is the tallest regular in the rotation. Senny Mayulu, listed at 6 feet (1.83 meters), offers some length, though the 18-year-old is still physically developing. Beyond that, PSG lack a truly imposing presence in the middle of the pitch. Advertisement That could push the club to target a more physical midfielder this summer—ideally, one who complements Luis Enrique's possession-based system without disrupting the overall balance. A veteran presence could also provide stability alongside the young core PSG have built in recent windows. With that in mind, Partey has emerged as a name to watch. According to Arsenal insider Charles Watts, Arsenal have yet to open contract talks with the midfielder, whose deal expires this summer. Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG are all reportedly monitoring his situation. Barcelona, PSG target inching closer to free agencyAdvertisement On Thursday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that negotiations between Arsenal and Thomas Partey over a new deal have stalled, with no agreement in place and a real chance the two sides could part ways in the coming days. If that happens, Partey would be available as a free agent. Recently, Football Insider reported that Mikel Arteta has growing optimism that Partey will sign a new contract to remain an Arsenal player next season. The report also notes that Arteta wants to keep Partey at Arsenal, and there's growing optimism he'll sign a new deal. The main holdup appears to be the length of the contract, which is believed to be the sticking point in negotiations.
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Gossip: Gunners monitor Madueke
Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke, 23, is on the radar of a host of clubs this summer, including Arsenal. (Telegraph - subscription needed), externalSporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, is edging closing to joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United. (Talksport), externalSlovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, 22, wants a release clause in his contract if he is to join Arsenal from RB Leipzig this summer. (The Transfers Podcast), externalGhana midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, is expected to leave Arsenal on 30 June as negotiations over a new deal are at standstill. (ESPN), externalWant more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip columnFollow the gossip column on BBC Sport
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal star heading towards exit
Recent reports claim Thomas Partey is set to leave Arsenal when his contract expires this month. Partey has been in talks over extending his stay in north London, with Mikel Arteta keen to keep him, but an agreement has yet to be reached. Advertisement And ESPN claim negotiations are at a 'standstill', with Partey's contract set to run out on June 31. Arsenal also look set to miss out on winger Nico Williams, who is reportedly close to joining Barcelona. BBC Sport say Barca have agreed personal terms with the Athletic Club star but say there are 'still obstacles to overcome' for a move to be completed. Elsewhere, the Mail report that Chelsea retain an interest in signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this transfer window. However, a deal for the 22-year-old looks unlikely. The Guardian are also reporting that Chelsea hold interest in Kudus, as well as Brighton's Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund. Advertisement The Sun say Newcastle are interested in signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this summer, but want a loan deal. United are looking to offload the 27-year-old on a permanent deal. The Standard report that Fulham have rejected a £26 million with an additional £6 million in add-ons offer from newly-promoted side Leeds United for striker Rodrigo Muniz. The Cottagers are not looking to sell the 24-year-old this summer, however. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham are considering an approach for 22-year-old PSV striker Ricardo Pepi as they look to add more firepower. USMNT striker Pepi, who is gathering interest from Spanish and Italian clubs, scored 11 goals in 18 Eredivisie games before a knee injury in January curtailed his season. Advertisement Sky Sports say Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is believed to be open to a move to Napoli this summer. And they are also reporting that Crystal Palace have held initial talks over the signing of Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Partey's contract talks with Arsenal hit impasse but Lewis-Skelly poised to sign
Thomas Partey is at an impasse with Arsenal in talks over a new contract as the midfielder weighs up whether to extend his stay. It is understood that Partey, whose deal expires at the end of this month, has been offered a deal on slightly reduced terms. The 32-year-old and his representatives are believed to want a similar pay structure to the one in the contract he signed when he joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for £45m, after he played an integral role last season, making 52 appearances. Partey is believed to have offers from Turkey and has been linked with Barcelona in recent weeks. Despite the impending arrival from Real Sociedad of Martín Zubimendi, who would provide direct competition for the Ghana international's starting spot, Partey is thought to prefer to stay. Last month Mikel Arteta was asked whether he wanted Partey to sign a new contract: 'Yes,' the manager said. 'I think consistency-wise it's been his best season. The way he's played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us.' Myles Lewis-Skelly is poised to sign a new Arsenal contract after a breakthrough season in which the 18-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances and scored on his England debut. Lewis-Skelly was due to enter the final 12 months of the first professional deal he signed last summer and has been tracked by Real Madrid after his performances against them in the Champions League quarter-final. It is understood the long-term deal negotiated by his mother and agent, Marcia, will make him one of the best-paid teenagers in the world. Talks continue over new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri – who along with Lewis-Skelly has been nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association's young player of the year award – and Leandro Trossard, with Arsenal said to be confident they will extend their deals. The search for a striker and the sporting director Andrea Berta's first signing goes on, with the agent of the Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko denying reports he had asked RB Leipzig to lower their asking price from a reported £85m. 'This is far from [the] truth,' said Elvis Basanovic. 'We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100% convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.' Basanovic, asked whether he expected the 21-year-old to move this summer, said: 'He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach. It can be next week … or next year, or in three years.'
