THOMAS PARTEY reportedly wants his transfer to Arsenal completed “as quickly as possible” to avoid falling out with the Atletico Madrid top brass.
The 27-year-old midfielder has emerged as a priority signing for Mikel Arteta, with Partey also wanting the Emirates switch.
Thomas Partey reportedly wants his transfer to Arsenal completed ‘as quickly as possible’
According to Jordan Choco, the player has informed Atletico he does not want to clash with their hierarchy and instead hopes for a deal to be wrapped up quickly.
It is understood Mikel Arteta and Arsenal technical director Edu will back the summer signing.
The Gunners are said to be ready to sell three first-teams star to fund their £45million deal for Partey.
The Ghanaian will be available for the cut-price fee due to a release clause in his contract.
But cash-strapped Arsenal need to get some big names off of their wage bill first.
It was even suggested Alexandre Lacazette would have been used as part of a swap deal for Partey.
But Arteta appears to have shut down the possibility by urging the Frenchman to extend his Emirates contract.
Still midfield duo Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira could be axed in the next window to also free up some room in Arsenal’s midfield.
Partey – who joined Atletico Madrid in 2015 – is under contract with them until 2023.
But his salary would double and his release clause would be increased to £90m if he penned a new deal.
He has made over 180 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 15 goals.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives cheeky smile when asked about transfer for Atletico’s Thomas Partey
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
