Arsenal have granted midfielder Thomas Partey permission to investigate a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League, where significant investments have been made to attract top talent, according to 90min.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in 2020, played a crucial role in the Gunners’ campaign last season, featuring in 33 out of 38 Premier League matches as they mounted their first Premier League title challenge in 15 years.
However, Arsenal are looking to develop their promising young squad further and are open to the departure of the 30-year-old midfielder, despite their return to the Champions League. This comes merely three years after Partey became the fourth most expensive player in the club’s history.
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According to the report, a permanent transfer to Saudi Arabia, as opposed to a loan move within Europe, appeals to Partey due to the immediate wage bill relief it provides. Arsenal also hopes to make a profit by selling the midfielder for more than the £45 million they paid for him.
The Saudi league has already seen the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, with other players such as Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ruben Neves said to be close to completing moves to the oil-rich country.