Why Arsenal must make a move for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey

According to Libertad Digital (h/t Football.London), Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey in the summer.

Thomas Partey, 26, has become one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted players over the last few seasons after breaking through Atletico Madrid’s youth academy to rack up 172 senior appearances for his side.

He has enjoyed another solid La Liga season with Atletico, managing two goals in 23 appearances. The Ghanaian has also made seven appearances in the Champions League and recently helped Atletico beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The report (h/t Football London) adds Atletico are in talks with Partey’s representatives over a new deal but the midfielder’s current contract contains a £42million release clause which the Gunners want to trigger this summer.

Arsenal have picked up considerably under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta. His team were 10 games without a defeat in all competitions until their 2-1 loss to Olympiacos last night and sit ninth in the Premier League table. The Gunners came from 1-0 behind to beat Everton 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, keeping their hopes of finishing in the top four still alive in the process.

Arteta signed Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares during the January transfer window. Both Mari and Cedric are yet to play for their new club and once the duo attains full fitness, Arteta will hope his new additions make an instant impact. Come summer, the Spanish tactician should focus on signing a central midfielder.

Arsenal have shortcomings in the midfield department despite Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira’s improvement under Arteta. Once Dani Ceballos’ loan deal expires and he returns to Real Madrid, the Gunners will be left with limited midfield options to compete next season. In that regard, the North London giants must definitely attempt to sign Partey from Atletico Madrid.

Partey has arguably been Atletico’s best player this season and was brilliant in the midfield against Liverpool in the Champions League last week. He has volumes of experience at the highest level and has even scored 7 times in 20 games for Ghana. That clearly suggests the 26-year-old’s pedigree and why signing such a player would certainly help Arsenal.

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The Ghana international is a versatile player who can operate in different positions across the midfield and at right-back, but his best position is in a holding role just in front of the back four. Such versatility could come handy for Arteta’s side.

Verdict

Partey would undoubtedly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options, whilst adding much-needed depth to the squad as well. Thus, Arteta and co. must not think twice before signing the Ghanaian from Atletico Madrid.