Liverpool Legend John Barnes Surprised Arsenal Want to Offload Thomas Partey for Declan Rice

• John Barnes is surprised that Arsenal are set to sell Thomas Partey
• The Ghana midfielder is on the radar of clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy
• Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Declan Rice as Partey's replacement

Former Liverpool winger, John Barnes is shocked that Arsenal are considering offloading their Ghanaian midfielder, Thomas Partey.

The Gunners are set to part ways with the midfielder as efforts to sign West Ham captain, Declan Rice intensify.

Partey was a standout performer for Arsenal last season, helping them to their best finish in recent times as the North London club secured Champions League football.

However, with interest coming in from Saudi Arabia and Italy, the club is ready to cash in on the 30-year-old.

"Arsenal potentially selling Thomas Partey would surprise me because I think he's their best defensive midfield player. Is it a personality thing with Partey?" he told Futfanatico, as quoted by footballghana.com.

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"Partey has done really well for Arsenal but it could be similar to [Joao] Cancelo with Manchester City and Pep [Guardiola]. We don't know the ins and outs of it but I am surprised because he's a strong defensive midfielder.

"Declan Rice could be coming in so they may decide Rice is the best option going forward."

Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus are set to battle it out for the signature of the ex-Atletico Madrid stalwart, as reported by Sportskeeda.

Partey to Saudi?

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Partey has reportedly been granted permission to start talking with clubs in Saudi Arabia following interest from the Gulf nation.

The 30-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer. His agent is believed to be exploring interest from Saudi Arabia, with the Gunners ready to cash in on the former Atletico Madrid star.

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According to 90 MIN, the Black Stars deputy captain has been given the green light by Arsenal to speak with clubs from the oil-rich nation.

Partey linked with Arsenal exit

Sports Brief also reported that Partey is close to leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs as the Gunners close in on signing West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice.

Southampton star, Romeo Lavia is also on the radar of the London club as a replacement for the Ghana international.