ARSENAL have been joined by Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey, reports claim.
The 27-year-old has been on the Gunners’ radar for some time, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options this summer.
Thomas made 46 appearances for Atletico last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Arsenal are yet to firm up their interest in the shape of a formal bid, and could fall back in their quest to sign the Ghanaian.
According to ESPN, Champions League finalists PSG have now entered the running to sign Partey.
And if the Gunners don’t act soon, they could miss out on the £45million star.
Arsenal will have to sell first, however, as they seek to bolster their transfer budget.
They have already splashed £27m on Gabriel Magalhaes, while recruiting Willian on £220,000-a-week.
But in order to continue their spending, they have transfer listed a number of first-team stars – including Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Shkodran Mustafi.
Atletico Madrid have been trying to negotiate a new contract with their No5 in order to double his £45m release clause.
But they have made “no progress” in their talks.
Thomas helped knock Liverpool out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Thomas made 46 appearances for Atletico last term, including both legs of their Champions League round of 16 victory over Liverpool.
But his future at Wanda Metropolitano hangs in the balance.
Although Arsenal haven’t yet made their bid, Goal claim that he wants to join the Gunners this summer.
Sol Campbell, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires and Ashley Cole reassemble the iconic Invincible Arsenal squad to talk football and play together once more
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
