Partey snubs Saudi Arabia, but he's still leaving Arsenal

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 4 Jul 2023 15:48 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has rejected the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia and will sign with Serie A giants Juventus instead, according to Sky Italia.

Partey has been a consistent performer for Arsenal - injuries permitting - since arriving in a €50 million transfer from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, and started 28 of his 33 games as the Gunners finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last season.

But with Declan Rice a top transfer target of Mikel Arteta's this summer, the Ghanaian's place in the side could be compromised, and Khaleej FC of the Saudi Pro League were linked with a move for him.

READ: Paul Pogba lifts lid on failed Man Utd return

But Partey will likely be playing for Juventus next season, according to Sky's report.

"Arsenal midfielder Partey, whose contract expires in 2024, has already given the go-ahead for the transfer," they write. "A figure of between €18-20 million should be met, and a three-year contract is ready for the player."

POGBA IMPACT

It is understood Juventus manager Max Allegri sees Partey as the perfect player to unleash Paul Pogba further forward in midfield.

Pogba had 34 goals and 40 assists from 178 games in his first spell Juve, but has only managed 10 appearances in all competitions since returning on a free from Manchester United last summer due to injury.

READ: Havertz, Rice and Timber: Is Arteta trying to rip off Guardiola?

Whilst Arsenal aren't short of cash this summer, a €20m injection of cash will be welcome with the Gunners also trying to sign Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber alongside the aforementioned Rice.

Juventus could be plugging another gap in their midfield with Partey's arrival, with Pogba's France international teammate Adrien Rabiot out of contract this summer having been public about his interest in returning to the Premier League, having previously been in Manchester City's youth academy.