Thomas Partey has touched down in London ahead of his proposed £45m deadline day deal to Arsenal but still faces a signing sweat.
The Ghana international is poised to put pen to paper on a five-year deal that will make him a high earner at the Emirates.
But even though Partey is closing in on a move to his boyhood club, the deal isn't completed yet with the clock ticking down ahead of the 11pm deadline in England.
Leading journalist Fabrizio Romano claims things are looking good but admits the deal isn't quite there despite Arsenal's desire to get it over the line.
He said: "Thomas Partey is in London. He’s gonna have medicals and sign until 2025 with Arsenal.
"Race against time to complete everything before next 4 hours - #AFC will trigger €50m release clause, also Atlético board are waiting for official payment to La Liga."
A deal for Partey appeared a long shot even on Monday morning but Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the 27-year-old who was arguably Atletico's best player in the Champions League last season.
Partey will compete with Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos for game time in the hearts of the Gunners' midfield if his deal is rubber-stamped in the coming hours.
He could makes his Premier League debut after the international break against Manchester City.
