Report: Arsenal in talks with Atletico Madrid over Partey

We could be on the verge of massive news for Mikel Arteta’s project at Arsenal, as the North Londoners have a line on influential midfielder Thomas Partey.

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Reports earlier this week claimed Atletico Madrid was willing to double Partey’s wages after yet another remarkable season from the center midfielder who was as responsible for the upset of Liverpool as anyone not named Jan Oblak (Sorry, Saul).

But further reports claim Arsenal has made a breakthrough, confirmed by the 26-year-old player’s father via Football.London:

“I called my son after hearing the rumors and he told me that the rumors are true,” Mr. Partey said, as per Ghana Web. “He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal. It all depends on the offer Atletico are demanding. If he goes to Arsenal fine, they have a lot of supporters in Ghana. I will be happy if he decides to move to Arsenal. What they are discussing now is how Atletico will release him.”

Partey has two goals for Atleti in La Liga play this season, with 2.1 tackles per match, 1.6 interceptions, and 10 yellow cards. He’s also good for nearly a key pass and shot per game, plus 1.9 successful dribbles.

He’s worked with Saul Niguez and Koke in one of the world’s most gifted and complete midfields.

The 27-times capped Ghanaian has 10 goals for the Black Stars. This would be a huge get for the Gunners. Can they find common ground on a price for Partey, with $55 million a possible price tag?

And how would Atleti deal with another big move, especially given the rumors of a Saul Niguel move to Manchester United. With Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann departing in recent seasons, the club has been challenged in big ways.