Arsenal take front seat in the race for Ghana midfielder

Not so many things may have seemed to go right for Arsenal in recent times, but they may have something to smile about as they are believed to be increasingly close to securing the signing of midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.

According to reports in Spain via the Daily Mail, Atletico are increasingly resigned to losing Partey and Arsenal are the club best placed to sign him.

Boss Diego Simeone is desperate to keep the Ghanaian midfielder, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United.

The 27-year-old has a contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2023, which the club have tried to extend while simultaneously attempting to increase his current release clause from £45million (€50m) to £72m (€80m).

But Spanish outlet Cadena Cope report that these attempts have been unsuccessful and has led parts of the Atletico hierarchy to become resigned to losing him.

The report adds that while there are many other clubs interested in Partey, it appears that his likely destination will be the Premier League and that Arsenal are the side best positioned to take advantage.

Partey has been encouraged to consider leaving Madrid to take up a new challenge in England in recent weeks, by his Ghana teammates and his father.

However, his father also warned the Gunners that they are not the only club chasing his son’s signature.

‘My son’s current club Atletico Madrid has a release clause in Partey’s deal… this means that any club which shows interest in signing him must meet those demands,’ Jacob Partey told SilverFM.

‘So any team which meets Atletico’s demand will be able to sign my son, and not specifically Arsenal.

‘I always call my son and he is of age to decide on a move. I am ready to support his decision.’

Any move from Mikel Arteta’s side will likely be dependent on qualification for European football next season.

The north London’s side budget could come under further strain if they miss out on both Champions League and Europa League football due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.