Barcelona want to sign Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey on loan

Barcelona are planning a surprise loan approach for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, according to Mundo Deportivo (page 3).

The La Liga giants have had a disappointing defence of their title and they are currently seven points behind surprise leaders Girona.

Mundo Deportivo claim that the club are planning to sign an ‘aggressive’ and ‘experienced’ midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

Partey is one of the players that fits their profile and the Blaugrana are likely to propose a loan or a loan with an option to purchase.

Arsenal unlikely to loan out Partey in January

The Gunners are currently short in the holding midfield department with Jorginho, Partey and Mohamed Elneny recovering from injuries.

Jorginho could return against Liverpool at the weekend, but Partey and Elneny may not be available for first-team action until the turn of the year.

Both players could also be away on African Cup of Nations duty in early January and the Gunners may need to spend on a new midfielder this winter.

Partey has been linked with an exit for some time and it does not make sense to offload him in January with the club in the Premier League title race.

The Ghanaian star is one of the best defensive midfielders in the league when fit and firing. His injuries have been a big concern for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The club may eventually want to recoup some of the £45 million spent on signing him from Atletico Madrid. They could wait until the summer to do so.

Partey could have a key role to play for the Gunners in the back end of the campaign as they look to end their two decade-long wait for the top-flight title.

Arsenal are currently top of the standings with 39 points. They face a big test of their title credentials in Saturday’s late kick-off against Liverpool at Anfield.