[ad_1]
The Ghanaian has been identified by Mikel Arteta as a priority target this summer, and the Spaniard wants to add more defensive coverage in his central midfield.
Arsenal have long sought a defensive midfielder after Arsene Wenger neglected the role in his later years in the Emirates, but Arteta had a limited budget this summer before the coronavirus pandemic.
The pandemic will further impact Arsenal’s finances, but Arteta is hopeful that an agreement can be reached and knows that Atlético is interested in Alexandre Lacazette, from whom they are willing to part ways.
Partey has a £ 45 million release clause that Arsenal could activate at any time, but they must be convinced that the midfielder wants to make the move.
However, that may be a formality since Telegraph claims that the Ghanaian told his friends that he wants to move to the Emirates this summer.
Partey, 26, wants to prove himself in the Premier League after five years in the Spanish capital.
Plus: Football
The composition of any deal is unclear and Arsenal could activate Partey’s release clause before agreeing on a fee for Lacazette, but what is clear is that Arteta believes he needs a strong midfield to compete for the top four spots.
Granit Xhaka wanted to leave in January and could be allowed to do so this summer, while Lucas Torreira has frozen over and attracted the interest of AC Milan.
MORE: How Sir Alex Ferguson was convinced to sign with Henrik Larsson at Manchester United
[ad_2]
