Arsenal player moves closer to leaving as Gunners consider Liverpool target as his replacement

Arsenal may lose one of their key players next year due to rising interest from Middle Eastern clubs.

According to Teamtalk, midfielder Thomas Partey is likely to depart at the end of the season. The Gunners have already pinpointed a replacement, which could spark a transfer battle with Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Partey is in the final year of his contract, and Arsenal has not expressed any intention to renew it. The former Atletico Madrid player is expected to leave as a free agent next summer. Interest has surfaced from Saudi Arabian clubs, as well as Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, as noted in the report.

Saudi negotiators have been in discussions with Partey since June to secure an agreement, aiming to finalize a deal during the January transfer window, with personal terms and other details expected to be addressed soon.

Among European clubs, Juventus have also shown interest in Partey. Meanwhile, the Premier League giants are actively searching for his replacement.

Arsenal may pursue Spain’s Euro 2024 winner, having added Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad this summer, but they could target his teammate Martin Zubimendi next year. Zubimendi was close to joining Liverpool but chose to remain at his boyhood club.

Arsenal could provide him with a Premier League opportunity, a scenario that might not sit well with Liverpool, who still have interest in the player.

The Gunners had aimed to sign another midfielder this summer but were unable to make further additions in that position. They targeted Youssouf Fofana, who ultimately joined AC Milan, and a deal for free agent Adrien Rabiot fell through due to the player’s wage demands.

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Liverpool set to finalize deal for £50 milliom star

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s key right-winger for several years, but he is now in the final year of his contract and past his prime.

Consequently, Liverpool risks losing him for free next year. Should they fail to retain him, Arne Slot will need to find a replacement for the Egyptian in 2025.

Tony Cascarino, speaking with a fan on talkSPORT, suggested that Liverpool might look to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a potential successor to Salah. Cascarino highlighted several reasons why Mbeumo would be a fitting choice. He commented:

“I remember saying to you about if Mo Salah left, Mbeumo would be the one I would have gone after. He’s got so much about him, he’s got goals, he’s got durability. He’s just a nuisance every time he plays.”

Brentford initially sought £50m for Mbeumo, but with his contract nearing its final year next summer, they might reduce their asking price to over £40m if he does not agree to an extension in the upcoming months.

Mbeumo, who turned 25 last month, primarily plays as a right-winger but can also operate as a center-forward. He demonstrated his abilities in the Premier League last season with nine goals and six assists in 22 starts, and he has already netted three goals in four appearances this season. Given that his prime years are ahead of him, he could be a valuable acquisition for Liverpool.