Why Arsenal should consider a move for Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal are considering a summer move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Partey signed for Atletico Madrid back in 2011 and has made 174 appearances for the La Liga side. After loan spells at Spanish outfits Mallorca and Almeria in 2013 and 2014 respectively, Partey has quickly established himself as a vital member of Diego Simeone’s side.
The Ghana international was also a part of the squad that ousted defending champions Liverpool from Champions League recently. He played a crucial role in the midfield, helping the La Liga side overcome a strong and talented Reds line-up to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to be impressed by Partey who has been a regular in the Atletico side for the past few seasons.
The Spaniard believes that Partey could be a valuable addition to his side that has lacked consistency in its midfield. Speaking of Arsenal, the Gunners have still been an inconsistent lot despite the arrival of Arteta after their poor show early in the season.
Arsenal under Arteta have not lost a game in the Premier League since New Year. However, that does not define the whole story as they have not yet made any significant progress, with the side still struggling at ninth place in the table.
It has not been an exactly fruitful season for the Gunners as they crashed out of the Europa League also recently. Their chances of securing a Champions League spot thus looks even grimmer. Though the team has looked better than before, Arsenal still have problems in midfield. The team has just two defensive midfielders in Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka.
Torreira has been ruled out currently due to an ankle injury and is not expected to return to the squad until May. Xhaka, meanwhile, has had a mixed season after his trouble with the fans earlier in the campaign.
Though he has nailed his spot in the side recently, he sure seems to be behind his heydays. Partey, who is just 26 years old, could develop well under Arteta, who himself was a midfielder in his playing days.
Partey has featured in 35 games for the Madrid-based side this season and has found the back of the net three times. Partey played an impressive role for the Atletico side last year, making 42 appearances and scoring three goals and six assists in a season where they finished 2nd in the league.
This season too he has excelled with his defensive abilities as Atletico have the second-best defensive record in the league after Real Madrid (19). Partey’s Atletico have allowed just 21 goals from 27 games while leaders Barcelona have conceded 31 goals so far.
Read more:
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- Why Arsenal must attempt to re-sign PSV Eindhoven’s Donyell Malen
Verdict
With a release clause of around £45million, Partey has been a dependable player for Atletico Madrid since 2015.
However, with Arsenal’s chances of making it into the Champion’s League looking a little unsure, it remains to be seen if the Ghanaian would prefer a move to London. Despite that, his overall skills in the middle would definitely be a blessing for an Arsenal side who would be eager for a change of fortunes next season.