Thomas Partey (Getty Images)
According to Goal (h/t Daily Mail), Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey is interested in joining Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Ghanaian could be available for £44m and he has been heavily linked with a move to Emirates in the last few months. However, it would be difficult to prise him away from Spain as he is one of the key players in Diego Simeone’s side.
Born in Ghana, Partey began his journey with Revelation FC before joining Atletico’s youth ranks. Though he excelled with the club’s youth sides, he was sent on different loan spells to Almeria and Mallorca to improve with regular game time. Since returning in the summer of 2015, he has established himself as an integral member of the squad.
In the last few years, he has been the mainstay in Atletico’s midfield and played a significant role in the club’s Europa League triumph in 2017/18. He also helped them lift the UEFA Super Cup in the following season. He has also been capped 26 times by Ghana and is currently the captain of his national team.
At the moment, the Gunners have three defensive midfielders in the squad. Former captain Granit Xhaka seems to be a completely different player under Mikel Arteta. The Swiss international has been brilliant for Arsenal since the second half of the last season.
Lucas Torreira and Mohamed Elneny are the two other defensive midfield options available at the manger’s disposal.
However, the Uruguayan has struggled since returning from injury and has been linked with a move elsewhere. Elneny also seems to have no future as the club are willing to sell him, as per Daily Star. And if this happens, the Gunners’ numbers in midfield would be reduced.
Thus, making a move for Atletico’s Partey would be a wise decision by the Emirates outfit. The Ghana international has made over 280 appearances at the highest level and would be a solid addition to the Arteta’s squad. He would be an upgrade to Elneny and Torreira in terms of quality.
The 27-year-old has been consistent and reliable over the last few years and his form can be a massive boost to the Gunners squad.
Partey is also capable of operating on the right side of the defence. Thus, his inclusion would provide Arsenal with depth in multiple positions. Given his consistency, proven pedigree and experience, Partey can go on to be a leader in the Gunners midfield.
At 27, Partey is in the form of his life and the Gunners, on the other hand, are in dire need of midfielders due to the lack of quality. The Ghanaian would definitely provide them with some much-needed depth and quality in the middle of the park and can grow into a leader in their midfield. Thus, Arsenal should splash the cash for the Atletico star this summer.
