Thomas Partey’s father, Jacob Partey, has claimed that the Atlético Madrid midfielder has told him he’s held talks with Arsenal over a potential move.
Partey has been heavily linked with joining the Gunners for several months, with a report earlier this month stating he was ‘one step away’ from joining Mikel Arteta’s side following a €50m bid.
Little has been mentioned about the potential transfer since then, although links to Arsenal have been consistent over the last year or so.
It seems Arsenal are now ramping up their interest, though, with his father revealing that discussions are underway with the Spanish club about how his release clause will be paid.
“I called my son after hearing the rumours, and he told me the rumours are true,” AS report him saying on Entsie Tru FM.
“If he goes to Arsenal, they have a lot of supporters in Ghana. I’ll be happy if he decides to move to Arsenal.”
The suggestion that Atlético, who have offered Partey a new deal with an improved release clause, are discussing how to release him suggests a deal is now in place.
As you will know when a player’s release clause is met that money has to be paid in full at the La Liga headquarters, as we’ve seen with the likes of Neymar, Antoine Griezmann and several other players in the past.
This is often done in numerous ways, with the money usually paid by the player courtesy of the buying club.
The fact that Atlético are now discussing that with Partey suggests talk of Arsenal putting his €50m release clause on the table were correct, and Arteta may be close to his first major signing at the Emirates.
