Arsenal are reportedly still interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, but there is some competition for the player.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to the Gunners for a while now, as they seek to add more steel their midfield.
As per Marca, Italian giants Juventus have joined the race to sign Partey, but the Gunners are still interested in the race for his signature.
The report states that Partey is one of the lowest earners in the Atleti senior team, and rejected a contract offer that the club offered him. But, Partey will apparently not force a move away from the club.
His release clause is set at €50 million and the club will only allow him to leave if clubs trigger that clause. He still has three years remaining on his current deal at the club.
How will Arsenal’s midfield look with Thomas Partey?
Thomas Partey has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few seasons and has become a key part of the Atletico Madrid side. The Ghanaian came through the ranks at Atleti before making his debut for the senior team in 2015.
He has racked up 185 appearances for the club in all competitions and has been a vital part of the side in the previous three seasons.
Partey is a midfielder with loads of energy, work-rate, strength and good defensive abilities. The 6’1″ midfielder is good in the air, winning an average of 1.9 aerial balls, while also averaging 2 tackles per game last season in La Liga. (Stats via Whoscored)
The 27-year old would add some much-needed strength and aggression in the middle of the park, which has been lacking at Arsenal for years. Another aspect of his game that is not talked about enough is his ability to drive forward with the ball.
Partey, who is capable of playing as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder, could be a fantastic addition to the Arsenal squad. With Mattéo Guendouzi set to leave after falling out with Mikel Arteta, and Lucas Torreira wanting first-team football, the Gunners will have few options in the middle of the park.
Partey could slot into the midfield role, playing alongside Granit Xhaka. The likes of Dani Ceballos – who was brought back on loan, Joe Willock and Mohamed Elneny could be options for Arteta from the bench.
Arsenal have made good progress under Arteta, but they still have a soft underbelly that can be exposed. Partey would add more strength to the midfield, and the offer the defence better protection than the current crop of players in the squad.
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