Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has made it clear he would like to move to Arsenal

May 5, 2020

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly made a decision on a potential switch to Arsenal this summer.

Partey has been linked with a move to the Emirates for some time, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta needing to beef up his midfield once the transfer window opens.

However, it is doubtful whether Arsenal would pay the 26-year-old’s £43million release clause, after head of football Raul Sanllehi told staff on a conference call last week that budgets would be tight for the summer due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.

Nevertheless, Partey is keen on joining Arteta’s side and is hoping the Gunners and Atletico can strike a deal.

That’s according to a report from the Telegraph, which says the Ghana international has told pals he wants to join Arsenal and prove he can cut it in the Premier League.

Defensive midfielder Partey has been a key player for Atletico this season, having played 24 out of 27 La Liga games as well as eight Champions League matches.

If a deal can’t be reached over the player’s release clause, the Telegraph says Arsenal and Atletico may consider a swap deal, with the Spanish club keen on Gunners forward Alexandre Lacazette.

Arteta has preferred youngster Eddie Nketiah to Lacazette at times this season, and the French striker could be Arsenal’s best chance to get some value from a squad that needs to be trimmed this summer.

Mirror Sport revealed on Sunday that negotiations have already begun to turn Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s loan at Roma permanent. Arsenal want £10million, but Roma are looking to pay less.