Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has convinced Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta with a plan to send Thomas Partey to The Emirates, according to a report.
Several reports in recent weeks have claimed Ghanaian midfielder Partey is the Gunners’ top target.
However, his reported €50million release clause is allegedly a significant roadblock for Arsenal. Indeed, Arteta has already admitted fears over the club’s willingness to back him financially.
As such, other suggestions are that the clubs could agree a straight swap, or a players-plus-cash offer.
According to Don Balon, Atletico boss Simeone would prefer the latter – and is “crazy” about having Alexandre Lacazette in his team.
Simeone believes Diego Costa, whose contract expires next season, will leave this summer amid interest from China. What’s more, he wants support for Joao Felix up top, with Alvaro Morata the only fixed forward in his team.
Arsenal’s valuation of Lacazette stands at €45million, a price Atletico are not willing to pay. As such, Simeone has instead convinced Arteta by allowing Partey to enter the deal.
TEAM TALK
