£45m Arsenal midfielder told what must happen first to secure summer exit

Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer and doesn’t look short of admirers ahead of the transfer window opening next month.

Fenerbahce have reportedly joined the race to sign the Gunners midfielder, who has also been linked with a move for the Turkish side’s local rivals Galatasaray, as Partey’s Arsenal future is set to come to a close once the transfer window opens.

As per the reports on Fotospor, Fener’s president Ali Koc has held a meeting with the Ghanaian but an official move cannot yet be made. With the club in the middle of presidential elections, Koc will not be able to get a deal confirmed for Partey but has reportedly told the 30-year-old defensive midfielder to bid his time until the process is complete.

The presidential results are expected early next month and if Koc remains in power, he’s believed to be willing to spearhead a move for the Ghana international.

It was reported earlier this month that Galatasary, who sit top of the Turkish SuperLig, had been keen to take advantage of Partey’s current situation at Arsenal and make a play for his signature once the June transfer window begins. 2023/24 has been a problematic season for Partey with injury continuing to restrict his game time.

He missed the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year with a serious thigh injury and when he did return after five months out of action, he struggled to find the form that made him once such an effective player for the Gunners.

Partey has been with the Emirates Stadium side since 2020, signing from Atletico Madrid after the Gunners triggered his £45m release clause. He has since gone on to make 95 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring five goals in the process and winning the FA Community Shield in 2023.