Arsenal might very well be about to get their hands on Thomas Partey since according to a report in Metro, Atletico Madrid are looking at signing a defensive midfielder.
The report cites Marca, claiming: “Arsenal have been given hope in their pursuit of Thomas Partey as Atletico Madrid are lining up Espanyol’s Marc Roca as the midfielder’s replacement, according to reports in Spain.
“According to Marca, Atletico are in the market for a new midfielder and did consider Ivan Rakitic before he re-joined Sevilla from Barcelona last week.
“The report now claims that Atletico are targeting Roca but the move is dependant on whether Partey is sold this summer.”
Is Thomas Partey coming to Arsenal?
This news will be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta since Thomas Partey has been on the top of the manager’s transfer wishlist for a number of months now.
The Atletico man will be the perfect long-term replacement to someone like Granit Xhaka but the Spanish side scouting Marc Roca is only half the job done since the Gunners will still have to pay the release clause.
Arsenal were ready to send Matteo Guendouzi the other way in a cash plus player deal but Atletico have rejected that proposal meaning the North London side have no the option but to pay the required amount in full.
The new season of the Premier League kicks off next weekend and with the way things are progressing, we do not expect the Gunners to wrap up this deal before the commencement of the campaign.
Also, while Thomas Partey is ready to move to the Premier League, he does not wish to force his way out of his current side.
