Deco continues to establish himself as the key piece in Barcelona's immediate future rebuild. His ability to find cost-effective market options has been decisive in keeping the squad competitive despite economic limitations. Now, he returns to the spotlight with a move that could strengthen the midfield at no cost.
Joan Laporta has given him total freedom of action in the offices, fully trusting his sporting judgment. The good rapport with Hansi Flick allows the club to act quickly when strategic opportunities arise. In this case, Barça is about to move for a proven player who will become a free agent in just a few days.
There are already wingers: now, Deco looks to the midfield
With Nico Williams practically secured and Roony Bardghji waiting in the wings, the flanks are well covered for next season. The coaching staff believes it's time to strengthen other areas with experienced players who have a competitive track record. Deco has set his sights on a move with an excellent cost-performance ratio.
At Arsenal, an unexpected development has occurred in its starting core. Coach Mikel Arteta hasn't managed to secure the contract renewal of one of its most important midfielders. This opens an opportunity that Barça, alert to any movement, wants to seize before other clubs.
Coach Hansi Flick has requested midfield profiles that add muscle, experience, and tactical presence without conditioning the system. The squad has many offensive profiles, but few ball-winners with international experience and solidity. That's why the club considers it key to add a reliable piece in that position.
The sporting management is moving cautiously but decisively. The goal is to negotiate directly with the player as soon as he becomes a free agent and avoid open bidding wars. The priority is to keep economic balance while adding useful profiles that strengthen the group.
The player is liked for his profile and track record
The midfielder in question stands out for his ability to break up play, long passing, and control of the game's tempo. He has excelled regularly in European competitions and knows LaLiga's pace perfectly thanks to his past in Spain. His experience would be especially valuable in a squad with many young players in development.
Flick has already approved the move, although he leaves direct negotiations in Deco's hands. The idea would be to bring him in as a rotation piece with minutes in demanding contexts or physical matches. In this sense, his arrival would bring balance to an area that has suffered wear and tear in recent seasons.
Sources close to the club explain that the player would also welcome a return to Spain. Although he has other offers on the table, none represent a sporting project as ambitious as Barça's. The challenge of competing again at the European elite level is very appealing to him.
Moreover, by arriving as a free agent, the club can offer him a competitive salary without breaking the wage structure. This isn't a move for the future, but rather an immediate reinforcement who can deliver from day one. Deco sees it as a low-risk, high-value strategic move.
A serious and real option
The player who is about to become a free agent is Thomas Partey, a 31-year-old Ghanaian pivot currently at Arsenal. Although his renewal seemed on track, negotiations have broken down and he won't continue in London. Starting July 1, he'll be a free agent, and Deco wants to get ahead of other interested parties.
Partey was already on Barça's radar in the past, but at that time the cost was unaffordable. Now, with no clause or transfer fee, his arrival would fit the club's economic policy. His time at Atlético de Madrid would facilitate a quick adaptation to the environment and the pace of competition.
He's a midfielder with physical presence, tactical awareness, and excellent defensive positioning. He brings solidity to the base of the team, allows creative midfielders to play with more freedom, and protects the back line during transitions. Flick believes he could alternate minutes with Oriol Romeu or even play as a double pivot.
If there are no unforeseen events, Barça will try to quickly reach a direct agreement with Partey's camp. The player prioritizes returning to Spain, and the club wants to take advantage of this willingness to secure his signing without paying a transfer fee. Everything now depends on the final terms and on Laporta giving the definitive green light.