Arsenal midfielder wanted by Saudi Arabian clubs

Simon Collings reports for The Standard that Thomas Partey is wanted by clubs in Saudi Arabia, with just a year left on his Arsenal contract this summer.

This follows a similar report from Fabrizio Romano, who had claimed there was preliminary interest in both Partey and Gabriel Jesus.

Romano wrote that neither Jesus nor Partey were talking to any Saudi Arabian clubs as it stands, with no proper negotiations ongoing, but suggested that there is interest.

Neither Jesus nor Partey have proven particularly reliable on the fitness front this season, with the former playing just over 1,900 minutes and the latter playing just under 900.

That puts them 12th and 18th respectively in Arsenal’s list of players by minutes played in 2023/24, with Partey playing even less than the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale.

The pair are seemingly expendable if Arsenal can find buyers, but they’ll want to bring in decent fees.

Recent reports have suggested that Jesus’ future at Arsenal isn’t guaranteed, and the club would be willing to listen to an offer for him in the summer transfer window.

But there haven’t been any substantial reports linking with Jesus with a particular club, other than some fairly shaky rumours suggesting Palmeiras want to sign him back.

Brazilian presenter Benjamin Back recently claimed Palmeiras wanted Jesus on loan, as they’re unable to afford a transfer fee and salary.

Back added that Palmeiras president Leila Pereira is reportedly behind the push to sign Jesus, as she’s hoping to have him in the squad for the Club World Cup in 2025.

Yet whilst you could understand why Jesus might want to return to his old club and help them to win their first Club World Cup trophy, there’s really no reason why Arsenal would agree to a loan move.

If the Gunners are going to sell two players wanted by rich Saudi Arabian