Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Thomas Partey, who has a release clause worth €50 million, over a move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Daily Express, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder has a release clause worth €50 million and could leave Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window, having been left unhappy by their contract offer.
Partey has been one of the rare shining lights in an indifferent season for Atletico Madrid, making a mark on a consistent basis. Now into his eighth year with the Colchoneros, the 26-year-old is now a mainstay in Diego Simeone’s team.
However, trouble might be brewing in paradise, if the report by Daily Express is to be believed. The report suggests that Partey is dissastisfied with the contract offer that Atletico Madrid have put on the table for him, even though they are seeking to double his earnings. And, it appears as if Arsenal are looking to pounce on the situation.
Arsenal have had on and off links with Partey for quite some time now, as they look to bolster their midfield this summer. Signing someone like the 26-year-old ought to be a step in the right direction considering his growth in recent years, apart from the fact that he can play as a defensive midfielder equally as adeptly as he does as a box-to-box midfielder.
Arsenal are set to lose Dani Ceballos, while Lucas Torreira has been linked with a return to Italy. In such a scenario, making Partey a viable target. There have even been suggestions that Arsenal have held talks with the player’s representatives, with Daily Express quoting his father Jacob Partey’s claims.
JJ Sports, the agency that represents Partey, have denied these claims, but reputed Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman has suggested that talks with Arsenal have indeed taken place, arguing that JJ Sports rebuffed the claims because they did not want that information out in public.
If negotiations over a deal have indeed begun, what Arsenal will need to be wary of is Partey’s €50 million buyout clause. They will also need to move quickly, especially with reports suggesting that Atletico Madrid want to double the release clause to €100 million.
What now remains to be seen is if Arsenal are willing to trigger the €50 million in Partey’s contract with Atletico Madrid. Even if they do, Champions League qualification could be a factor and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can persuade the player to sign irrespective of the presence of top level European football next season.
