Arsenal have reportedly made a last minute attempt to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the close of the transfer window on Monday evening.
The Ghanaian international has been a long-term target of the Gunners, but until now the club have been unwilling to pay big money for the star, choosing instead to focus on other players.
But with a deal for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar breaking down over the weekend Arsenal now look to have made their move for Partey, and appear set to pay his £45m release clause.
It is a transfer which would no doubt delight Gunners fans given how influential Partey has been under Diego Simeone at Atletico over the past five seasons.
(Image: Getty Images)
And judging by his comments last summer, Partey himself would also be more than happy to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
When asked by ESPN about whether he would consider a switch to the Premier League, Partey said: “At the moment, I am happy at my club. But in football, you never know when and where you’ll be in the next day or year.
“The Premier League is a good league, it’s very competitive and has some of the best players in the world. Hopefully, one day. I would like to play there.
“My agents are on it so I will leave everything for them. For me, I am happy playing football and I will continue to play where I am now until something comes up for consideration.”
(Image: ATLETICO MADRID/AFP via Getty Im)
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While a move last summer never materialised, now may be the right time for Partey to test himself in the Premier League, and all signs certainly seem to be pointing towards a move to north London.
There will now be a race against time from Arsenal to see if they can get the paperwork done before the 11pm deadline, but if a deal is complete Partey could be in line to make his debut after the international break when the Gunners take on Manchester City on October 17.
