Atletico Madrid are ready to kill any sort of Arsenal interest by handing Thomas Partey a massive wage hike.
The Gunners were reported to be keeping tabs on Partey last summer and even made attempts to sign him.
Fortunately, for Diego Simeone, Arsenal were far more occupied with the record signing of Nicholas Pepe and improving their defence line. However, after a sub-par start to the season Unai Emery could look to reinforce his midfield strengths soon.
Thomas Partey is an experienced midfielder who can work in the pivot in Emery’s three-man central system. He is a key element of this new Atletico side and Simeone cannot afford to lose him right now.
That is exactly why, the Rojiblancos are looking to double his wages and also include a £44m release clause to his contract. He is already tied to a deal set to expire in June 2023 but raising his wages is a priority.
Partey himself admitted he was happy at Atletico as he said, “I’ve grown up in Atleti and I am sure I will stay here. I don’t know of another place that will understand how I play like they do here.”
Arsenal may have to move for a midfielder next summer if their current ranks continue to perform at the same level. Lucas Torreira’s form has dropped significantly since the first season and Granit Xhaka is simply not good enough for the team, despite being made captain by his teammates.
See Also: Arsenal Players Wages 2019/20 (Salaries Per Week List)
