Arsenal ‘plans to take a step’ for Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid

Arsenal are planning a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to The Telegraph.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be impressed by the defensive midfielder and believes Partey will be able to strengthen his own team in that area.

The 26-year-old has a release clause of around £ 42 million in his contract and Atletico could see a lot of interest from clubs at the end of the season.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sees Partey as someone to improve Arsenal’s defensive midfield

Manchester United are among the teams associated with Partey in the past.

So far, Partey has played 35 games this season for Atletico Madrid, scoring three goals and giving an assist.

Arteta has Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi as defensive midfield options, but the now injured Torreira has been linked to a return to Italy and it is very likely that Xhaka will be shown out the door.

Partey has a release clause of approximately £ 42 million built into his contract with Atletico Madrid

It is believed that Arsenal will have to convince the Ghanaian international to move to London, but reports say he would be satisfied with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.

Atletico advanced to the next round of the Champions League this week by beating defending champion Liverpool, with Partey playing a key role in both legs.

With Arsenal being dropped from the Europa League and currently ninth in the Premier League, Champions League football seems out of control next season, which can make it difficult to convince Partey to come to London.