The possible transfer of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey continues to fill the headlines and it’s a case of what rumour you believe right now. Thomas Partey’s father Jacob said his son would be interested in a move to the Premier League and North London and revealed:
“I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true.”
Then, Partey’s representatives at JJSports dismissed the possibility of a move when they issued a statement that said:
“It’s totally untrue”
Then rather bizarrely, they took to Instagram to share an image from Transfermarkt which asked fans to ‘pick’ the midfielder’s next club. The post showed Thomas Partey in an Atletico Madrid shirt surrounded by the badges of Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
As far back as 2018, Partey made it clear that the Premier League would be a consideration when he said:
“I don’t really read too much into what the media say regarding me moving, I leave that all to my management but of course everybody knows the English game is one of the best in the World.”
“I have played in their stadiums twice already this season at Stamford Bridge and at the Emirates and I know how the atmosphere is but at the minute I am so happy in Madrid.”
But more recently, the Atletico Madrid midfielder himself entered into the spirit of cat and mouse on his own Instagram page:
“Quick Note !!! In the midst of transfer period, a lot of stories are created, manufactured, and also alleged until the final day of the transfer period.”
Yet, the rumours persist with the only stumbling block appearing to be how on earth Arsenal meet the fee of around £45m for the 26-year-old Ghanaian. Alexandre Lacazette has been mentioned as an enticing option in a plus cash deal, but Arsenal will have to get very creative for one of the best and most consistent midfielders on the planet.
Before we put the champagne in the fridge and break out the party poppers (pun intended), we need to remind ourselves that Arsenal have already said that they are not going to make any major signings and also refresh our memories that there is a massive hole in their accounts due to Covid-19.
However, Partey is someone that Arteta could build the team around and take the side forward. Partey covers every blade of grass in attack and defence and his work rate is exceptional. He’s an upgrade on Aaron Ramsey if you like and a genuine box-to-box player.
He is a tenacious tackler and an arty dribbler with oodles of stamina as well as being productive and creative. Could Arsenal do with this guy? Bet your house on that!
He’s a tall, imposing, athletic, and dynamic player who can dominate the opposition, but it’s his all-round performance at the highest level that makes him attractive and he will have no shortage of offers in the summer, even from the Premier League.
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Realistically, if Arsenal can only afford one player, this should be it. Arteta’s midfield is lacklustre and confused at times, lacking purpose and directness. He needs a heartbeat and an engine, he needs a Partey animal (I’ll stop now).
Arsenal are never the ones to make their intentions clear and the transfer market is one area they love to indulge in misdirection and subterfuge, but the club realises that it needs someone special rather quickly. There will be more on this story, guaranteed but Arsenal needs to show Atletico Madrid the cash before we can start the process of celebrating.
