Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost as Thomas Partey will reportedly listen to offers this summer.
The midfielder has been heavily linked to the Gunners since the summer and fan interest has grown with his impressive Champions League performances.
His contribution to Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 second leg win over Liverpool was particularly good viewing for the Gunners supporters. Over the course of the 90 minutes he won three aerial duels, four tackles, four interceptions made four clearances and two blocks.
With interest around the 26-year-old growing, AS have reported that it is Partey’s intention to listen to offers from other clubs this summer.
His current contract lasts until 2023 but has a release clause in the region of £45million. Atletico have been trying to extend Partey’s deal to include a new release clause reportedly in the region of £100million but have had no luck yet.
"My agent is talking to the club. Sometimes we don't have what we want, but I hope everything goes well,” Partey said as reported by AS on February 17.
"It is a pride to attract the attention of more teams and that motivates me. It makes me feel like I'm doing things right and keep getting better.
"Leave? Sometimes it is not just the player's decision, also the club's . If Atlético loves me, I'll be here until they don't love me and then we'll see what we do "that could have a disturbing reading. That" sometimes is not just the player's decision."
On just March 12, the Telegraph reported that English clubs, including Arsenal, were interested in signing Partey.
Whether or not Arsenal would be able to fully pursue the midfielder when depend on how the 2019/20 concludes. Should football resume, the race for fifth place and Champions League football will hold a lot more weight.
If the Premier League decide to terminate the season, however, Arsenal may be in luck as last year’s fifth place finish may be enough to guarantee a place in Europe’s premier competition. This would only be if Manchester City’s UEFA ban is upheld.
Until then, Mikel Arteta will have to work out how to continue to get the best out of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos in his Arsenal midfield.
