In a recent report, Sky Sports has stated that Arsenal are prepared to match Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause this summer. The Atheltic‘s David Ornstein has also revealed that the Gunners are eyeing a late move for the Ghanaian midfielder and are ready to make all the necessary arrangements to get him on board before tonight’s transfer deadline.
⚽️ Thomas Partey ⚽️
🔴 Arsenal pursuing since 2018
🔴 Top target this window with Aouar
🔴 Atletico demanded clause so #AFC considered Jorginho
🔴 Aouar ended + Jorginho never likely so renewed Partey contact over weekend, accelerated this morning
@TheAthleticUK #AFC #DeadlineDay https://t.co/pV8OI2HIYR— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 5, 2020
Partey’s Growing Influence At The Spanish Capital
Partey has made a solid start to this campaign after being involved in three matches for Atletico so far while averaging 2.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.7 shots and 2.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has also distributed the ball with some accuracy after completing 89.1% of his attempted passes in league football.
The Ghanaian talent did well to average 2.0 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.9 shots and 1.6 dribbles per game in the top tier of Spain last season (stats via whoscored). When compared to the previous campaign, it seems like Partey’s defensive numbers have gone down, but he is making more of an impact in the offensive end of the field.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most influential defensive midfielders in Spanish football over the past few years. Partey is also versatile enough to play in a more advanced role in midfield or as a box to box midfielder or fill in at the right-back position if required.
What Will The Ghanaian International Add To Mikel Arteta’s Side?
Partey is a well-rounded midfielder who can contribute by doing a bit of everything at the centre of the park. He is a deceptively quick player and can make some driving runs towards the opposition penalty area. Standing at 1.85m, the 26-time Ghanaian international has got the strength to win his fair share of aerial duels in midfield. He can also strike the ball with a lot of power and accuracy from long range.
Will Partey Be An Ideal Signing For The Gunners?
An accomplished and experienced midfielder like Partey will enhance the overall quality of Mikel Arteta’s first-team as he would add more bite and steel to his midfield department at the Emirates Stadium. He has got all the qualities required to become an immediate starter in the Premier League. The Ghanaian skipper will be an upgrade over Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka and Joe Willock at North London.
Hence, it is only logical for Arteta to push for a deal to bring Partey to the English capital before the transfer window slams shut later tonight. He could prove to be an ideal signing for the London giants at the moment as they need more quality in their squad to ensure a top-four place in the Premier League at the end of this campaign.
