Transfer Centre

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey 'wants Arsenal move'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 01 September 2020

Arsenal-linked Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly open to a move to North London after contract talks between Atletico and the player stalled.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly open to a move to Arsenal amid persistent speculation linking him with a move to the Emirates.

The Gunners have been tipped to move for Partey for several months now, with his release clause at Atletico believed to be set at £44m, but Arsenal are severely cash-strapped in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be desperate to get a deal for Partey over the line, but the Gunners boss will reportedly have to do away with at least three players in order to raise the required funds.

However, there may now be an extra motivation for the Gunners to trim their wage bill, with Goal reporting that Partey is indeed keen on making the switch to North London.

Atletico have not been immune from the implications of the COVID-19 crisis, and the report claims that Partey is open to a departure after the La Liga outfit could not offer him a bumper new contract.

Partey has amassed 16 goals from 185 games at Atletico across all competitions, where he is under contract until 2023.