Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta (right) and his top transfer target, Thomas Partey
- Thomas Partey is Mikel Arteta’s priority target before the transfer window slams shut
- Arsenal are willing to meet midfielder Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause
- The Atletico Madrid midfielder has long been a target of Mikel Arteta’s
- The Spanish club have insisted that Arsenal pay all of Partey’s release fee
- Lucas Torreira is on the verge of moving in the opposite direction today
Arsenal have told Atletico Madrid they are willing to meet Thomas Partey’s £45million release clause as the Gunners look to finalise a deadline-day deal for the midfielder. Mikel Arteta has been eager to bolster his midfield this summer but has been left frustrated by the club’s inability to secure their prime targets this window.
Sportsmail understands there are several hurdles to overcome in order to finalise a deal but the Gunners are confident of sealing the transfer before the window closes at 11pm tonight. Partey, 27, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, as has Lyon star Houssem Aouar, but the Gunners have so far been unable to meet the price tags set for both players.
Partey’s current deal expires in 2023 and Atletico have been resolute in demanding that his £45m release clause is met. Arsenal’s new willingness to meet that price tag makes a deal likely. The Spanish club have been keen to extend the Ghana defensive midfielder’s deal, but the financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic have meant that Atletico are unable to meet the player’s demands.
Hector Herrera and Nikola Kalinic are being offered to other clubs as Atletico look to raise money through sales of other players. Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is close to joining Simeone’s side, but the club need to sell before they can officially confirm the deal. The Uruguayan passed his medical on Saturday and faces a nervous wait before the switch is completed.
Meanwhile, Gunners outcast Matteo Guendouzi has undergone a medical ahead of a loan move to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. The French youngster has fallen down the pecking order in north London after falling out with Arteta, with the Spaniard left unimpressed by a series of misdemeanours.
Sportsmail
