Barcelona’s transfer plans remain fluid this summer as the club works to strengthen its squad under tight financial limitations and a strict wage structure.
The Catalan giants have been exploring cost-effective reinforcements, particularly in midfield, with several out-of-contract players flagged as potential short-term solutions.
In a market where free agents offer value and flexibility, Barca have been scouting a range of options, including experienced names with Champions League pedigree.
However, the club has made it clear that character and professionalism remain non-negotiable — and that stance has been reinforced by a shocking development in London.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has officially been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to a statement released by London’s Metropolitan Police.
The charges stem from alleged incidents involving three different women, reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, while Thomas Partey was still an Arsenal player.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August.
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022, although he was not named publicly at the time, and he continued playing for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.
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The Ghana international’s contract with the North London club officially expired this week, making him a free agent just as the charges were confirmed.
Having joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, Partey made over 100 appearances for the Gunners, but his time in England has now ended under a dark cloud.
Sources in Spain had previously linked Barcelona to Partey as a potential low-cost option to add depth in midfield, especially given his La Liga experience.
But with the severity of the allegations now public, any lingering interest is expected to be immediately dropped by the Camp Nou hierarchy.
Partey’s situation will now be handled by the courts, but from a footballing perspective, his prospects — particularly with top European clubs — appear to have evaporated overnight.
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