Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is refusing to sign a new contract with the LaLiga giants, claims a journalist.
According to Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague while giving an update on the future of the midfielder on his YouTube channel, Partey is not going to sign a new deal at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Partey has been linked with Arsenal and his agent has reportedly put plenty of clubs on alert, and according to The Telegraph the Ghanaian player himself picked Arsenal as his chosen destination.
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The 26-year-old who is under contract in Madrid until 2023, has apparently told friends he wants to join Arsenal but Atletico are keen for him to pen a new deal, and most probably increase his buyout clause.
Balague though insists Partey will not sign up, although he swerved whether there had been contact between any English clubs.
“What I am hearing, he has a buyout clause of €50m, and Atletico would like him to sign a new contract,” Balague said. “But he is not signing a new contract, that is as much as I can tell you.
“Has there been contact? There was a very clear possibility of him moving to England last summer. Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all enquired. That is as much as we can say.”
Partey’s Ghana team-mate Kasim Nuhu last month spoke openly about Arsenal and Partey.
Speaking to Ghanaian broadcaster TV3 (via GhanaWeb), Nuhu – who plays for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim – backed Partey to be a success if he made the move to London.
“Atletico Madrid is a very good club so he is playing one of the biggest clubs in the world and Arsenal is also one of the biggest,” Nuhu said.
“For me, it is his decision because playing in Atletico Madrid is the same as playing in Arsenal.
“The two teams always make the same category in the league fighting for the 3rd and 4th place to play in the Champions League but as we all know the Premiership is the best league in the world so if he joins Arsenal, I will be happy for him.”
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COMMENTS
Atletico is not in the same league with Arsenal.. Arsenal are now a 4th to 6th position team in England. as a Ghanian it is understandable he wants to play in England and his take home in ENgland would be more lucrative also..
I believe Thomas could hold his own anywhere in the world,he is that good. For me, He is the best Ghanaian player since Essien;
He has the composure,grit,physicality and goals to hold sway in England. If he goes to Arsenal,he can easily walk into the team, cause those in his position right now aren’t up to him in play,Torreira is strong but not as strong.
Xhaka is always a step away from making a mistake mostly due to his temperament,he lacks that composure. Guedonzi could be good but he has the worst kind of temperament. He loses it easily.
So I think Partey can walk into that midfield. Besides, if he does go,he is going to be coached by a Spaniard in Arteta, who is patient enough to help develop that side of the game that needs improvement. His tactical style would suit Partey even more,allow him to express himself even better than he is allowed in Atletico( more like he is allowed in The Black stars). That attacking side of him would be unleashed the more since Arsenal is more of an Attacking team.
I think he is making the right move for not signing the contract and wanting a move. He is not getting any younger. He is in his prime. He has always been loyal,it is time to do this for him.
Unless,Atletico gives him something better in terms of kind and more freedom on the pitch.
But for the breakout of the current coronavirus pandemic, the signs had been positive that Arsenal would break the bank to create a clear pathway for Partey’s transfer to the Emirates by meeting his £43.5 million release clause from Atletico Madrid.
However, with this pandemic comes a financial review for the North London outfit which has put a mild cloud of doubt on the transfer.
Comments from the Ghanaian international’s father have caused a stir in recent weeks.
Partey’s dad Jacob told a radio station that talks were unfolding between his son and the Gunners but the player’s representatives hit back saying it was “totally untrue”.
It does however seem that the desire of coach Mikel Arteta to lure the Ghana International to the Emirates Stadium hasn’t faltered which I think would explain why he hasn’t committed his future to Atletico Madrid.
As a Super Eagles fan, I am usually quite reticent of discussing issues relating to Ghanaian football as I see the West African nation as Super Eagles bitterest rivals.
In 49 encounters known to me against the Black Stars of Ghana, Nigeria have won 10, drawn 18 and lost a mammoth 21 times.
If we meet them in Afcon 2021 in the knockout stages, it might yet turn out to be coach Rohr’s sternest test yet!
The German recently came out to unequivocally assert that under his tutelage, the Super Eagles can win the 2021 Afcon. A quarter final encounter against a formidable, fierce and unforgiving foe like Ghana will put that assertion to the ultimate test!