Thomas Partey has 'made it clear' he wants Arsenal move – Telegraph

Posted Tuesday, May 05, 2020 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Speculation in the English media this evening suggests that Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey has his heart set on joining Arsenal this summer.

Arteta's struggling squad

Amid another largely-disappointing campaign to this point, Arsenal are expected to be active on the transfer front upon the reopening of the market over the coming months.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic brought football across Europe to a standstill, the Gunners sat 9th in the Premier League table.

The capital giants were also ousted from the Europa League in heartbreaking fashion by Greek outfit Olympiacos late in February, on the back of a late collapse.

As such, another season without Champions League football looms large for Mikel Arteta's men in 2020/21.

The prospect of missing out on a spot in Europe's top-tier competition once again, meanwhile, has led to inevitable rumours that some of the club's top talents could be on the move this summer.

They key name to have been tipped for an Arsenal exit to this point has been Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who, amid another fruitful campaign in front of goal, has been persistently-linked with La Liga champions Barcelona.

Mesut Ozil, meanwhile, continues to court rumoured interest from Fenerbahce, while uncertainty also surrounds the future of Real Madrid-owned Dani Ceballos.

Partey wants Arsenal?

As a result, if, as expected, a number of players do eventually depart the Emirates ahead of next season, Mikel Arteta's paper-thin squad will be stretched to its limits.

Such a scenario, though, would no doubt also see a host of new faces arrive in north London over the months to come.

One such player to have been persistently touted as a potential addition to the Arsenal cause this summer, meanwhile, has been Thomas Partey.

Atletico Madrid star Partey has developed into one of La Liga's standout midfielders over the last couple of seasons, with Arsenal boss Arteta known to be a keen admirer.

Speculation as to whether or not the Ghanaian actually stands as a realistic target for the Gunners, though, has widely varied in the media.

Partey would no doubt set any interested party back a premium fee, with Atletico unlikely to give up the gifted 26-year-old without a fight.

As outlined above, however, if Partey himself gets his way, then the Rojiblancos may be left with no choice but to sanction an exit over the months to come.

This comes amid claims from the Telegraph that the midfield all-rounder has 'made it clear' that he wants to join Arsenal.

Partey is said to be eager to prove himself in the Premier League, and as a result remains 'hopeful' that those in charge at the Emirates will find a way to fund a deal.

One such option could surround a swap between the Atleti youth product and Alexandre Lacazette, amid reports that Diego Simeone and co. remain keen on the struggling Gunners hitman.