Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey as he would like to stay in Spain this summer, Mundo Deportivo reports.
The 26-year-old is available this summer, given that he has a release clause of €50 million (£44.7m).
The Gunners are touted with an interest in Partey, as are Juventus and PSG, and his father, Jacob, has now said that any club that are willing to match Atletico’s demands will sign his son.
He told SilverFM, via the aforementioned report: “Any team that meets Atletico’s demand will be able to sign my son, and not specifically Arsenal.”
However, Partey is said to be open to remaining at the Wanda Metropolitano, and is hoping to be offered a renewal by the Spanish club.
His current deal does not expire until 2023 but it seems that he would like to commit his future to the side for whom he has made 174 appearances.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
These are interesting developments.
Clearly, Partey believes he has the option of remaining in Spain and that may throw a wrench into the plans of his suitors.
It may not be as simple as merely triggering his release clause; that only wins the club the right to discuss terms with him, and is no guarantee of securing his signature.
Arsenal, then, will have to put together an attractive proposal to lure him to north London, and that is only if they can actually table a bid high enough to get in a room with him.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major influence on the finances of various clubs, this might end up being one that got away, again.