Atletico Madrid are ready to fend off interest from Arsenal and Manchester United by doubling Thomas Partey’s existing €50 million release clause to €100 million.
According to Goal, Atletico Madrid are ready to step up their efforts in keeping hold of Arsenal and Manchester United target Thomas Partey beyond this summer. As a result, they have hatched a plan to double the player’s existing release clause of €50 million. That means a potential new contract could see Partey’s release clause rise up to €100 million.
Diego Simeone is believed to be a big fan of Partey. But, the Argentine mastermind is aware of the interest from Premier League giants. So increasing the release clause to €100 million does make sense.
At the same time, it could serve as a massive blow for the interested parties like Arsenal and Manchester United. The Gunners, in particular, are desperate to sign a holding midfielder as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in the changes in the summer.
The club has duly lacked the presence of a reliable midfielder aside from Granit Xhaka. Partey, in that regard, would have been an ideal candidate. His physical presence could have added another dimension to Arsenal’s midfield, making them much more vigilant.
However, a staggering release clause of €100 million would likely rule them out as Arsenal are likely to face financial restraints in the summer. Moreover, midfield is not the only area Arteta has to address. Hence, they are unlikely to make a big-money move for Partey.
Things could be totally different for Manchester United. The Red Devils have the cash to burn, and Partey could actually be an excellent signing. He can be an ideal partner to someone like Scott McTominay. His robust style of play would add a new defensive element to United’s style of play.
That being said, it remains unlikely that United would be willing to spend as much as €100 million for a midfielder. A lot could depend on the future of Paul Pogba.
As for Atletico Madrid, Partey’s extended stay at Wanda Metropolitano could be essential as the club looks to continue their development under Simeone. Indeed, the Ghanaian international has become a vital component of Atleti’s midfield.
Partey’s aggression and tenacity are ideally suited to Atletico’s defence-oriented game under Simeone. And an asking fee of €100 million should be enough to sway off potential suitors, although, given the current inflation in the market, things always remain
