Huge transfer push from Arsenal as key £ 45m target rejects new deal

Arsenal’s key target Thomas Partey has turned down a new contract offer at Atlético de Madrid, according to reports.

The Spanish giants are believed to want to keep the Ghanaian, whom they see as an important player. But if they want to let it go, the club that buys it will likely have to shell out £ 44.5 million to meet its buyout clause.

The midfielder has been closely associated with the Gunners in recent months as there has been speculation about his future.

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A report last week claimed that Partey was “eager” to move to Emirates Stadium with the player open to a move from the Premier League.

And now a new report in a Spanish publication Brand They claim that Arsenal continues to be the ‘main candidate’ to sign Partey from Atlético.

There is good news for the Gunners too, with Partey apparently saying ‘no to the latest offer’ Atlético made to renew his contract at Wanda Metropolitano.

Brand describes his future as “in the air”, with any sale of Partey possibly leading to the arrival of Marc Roca from Espanyol.

Another Spanish source Ok daily Add that Arsenal are struggling to pay their £ 44.5 million buyout clause and are “trying to reach an agreement with Atlético de Madrid based on barter.”

Matteo Guendouzi, that has already been offered in an exchange, could still be traded, while the report mentions Lucas Torreira as a possible option to include in a deal for Partey.

However, the ‘big name’ that could be used as part of a deal would be Alexandre Lacazette, with the forward previously linked to Atlético de Madrid.