EXCLUSIVE: Thomas Partey asks to LEAVE Arsenal

Steve Kay

• 1 Jul 2023 10:10 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Thomas Partey has informed Mikel Arteta that he wants to leave Arsenal.

The midfielder does not want to play second fiddle next season, we are told, and has requested that the Premier League side help him look for another club.

Arteta has reluctantly agreed to move Partey on but only if the Spaniard is able to get a decent price in return.

READ MORE: Chelsea U-turn sparks Man Utd transfer battle

There have been initial talks with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Juventus but no offer has been forthcoming so well.

It means that Arsenal will look to speed up negotiations with Southampton over a move for Romeo Lavia.

The Gunners have a great relationship with the teenager’s agent, we understand, and hope to strike a deal ahead of Chelsea, who are also keen.

In any case, Arsenal will have another meeting with Partey to discuss his future. Once the air clears there, we are told that they will start to push hard to bring in Lavia, who is also linked to the Blues and Liverpool.

There is a hole to fill in midfield, despite the purchase of Declan Rice from West Ham. Granit Xhaka is set to leave, Jorginho is of veteran age, and Mohamed Elneny is not deemed a first-team starter.

It comes after our exclusive that Arsenal are weighing up a move for Kylian Mbappe in 2024.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal considering Kylian Mbappe move

We have been told that the Paris Saint-Germain attacker is admired by the Premier League club, who are considering whether or not to send a package to the Frenchman’s representatives.

Mbappe’s contract is up at the Parc des Princes next year, meaning that PSG must sell him this window or risk losing their prized asset on a free transfer in 2024.

At this point in time, it is thought that Mbappe will be heading to Real Madrid. PSG are holding firm in their asking price for the player, but if that gets lowered, Los Blancos could make an offer this summer.

But if this doesn't happen, it would open the door for other clubs. If a deal between Mbappe and Arsenal is struck, it would mark a sensational move for Arteta's men.