Thomas Partey has been subject to interest from a host of European clubs as Atletico Madrid desperately try to tie him down to a new contract, removing his €50m release clause.
The Ghanaian’s contract runs out in 2023, however, and with Partey yet to sign a new deal with the Spanish club, there are strong rumours that Arsenal are ready to pounce.
Speaking to GhanaWeb, Jacob Partey, Thomas’ father, has revealed his son is talking to Arsenal and that at the moment, they are discussing how Atletico will sell him.
Mr Partey said: “I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true. He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal. It all depends on the offer Atletico are demanding.
“I will be happy if he decides to move to Arsenal. What they are discussing now is how Atletico will release him.”
Partey is a 26-year-old Ghanaian defensive midfielder who has been a crucial part to Diego Simeone’s system at Atletico Madrid, making 127 appearances in the past 3 seasons.
The Ghanaian has helped the Spanish club to 11 clean sheets in the 24 LaLiga games he played this season, conceding just 16 goals in those games.
Arsenal’s defence was undoubtedly a major problem again for them this season, conceding 36 goals in 28 Premier League games.
While they have shown improvement in this area under new manager Mikel Arteta, there is only so much a new manager can do without the help of new additions.
The arrival of teenage defender William Saliba from AS Saint-Étienne will certainly help the Spaniard in his mission to improve the Gunners’ defensive issues, however, a top quality defensive midfielder is something that Arsenal fans have been crying out for since the days of Patrick Vieira.
Thomas Partey’s transfer to Arsenal is far from done, with a deal between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid yet to be struck. The one worry that remains for gooners is that this is all an attempt from the Partey party to get a better contract offer from Atletico, something which Arsenal have fallen victim of in the past.
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