Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been billed as Atletico Madrid's dream transfer target this summer, according to a report in Spain.
The divisive Ghana international is entering the final weeks of his Arsenal contract and can negotiate with any foreign club about a free transfer once his deal expires on 30 June. Arsenal were thought to have accepted Partey's departure, but reports from earlier this week have opened up the door to an extension.
However, Atletico Madrid are intent on bringing the defensive midfielder back to the Spanish capital. MARCA claim that Partey is the "great desire" of Atletico's upcoming off-season as the club have been searching in vain for a player to fill his role at the base of midfield since 2023.
Arsenal's acquisition of Andrea Berta, who was the Atletico sporting director that sold Partey to the Gunners in 2020, offers a clear line of communication between the two clubs.
Yet, Atletico are aware that they may not be alone in their pursuit of Partey, especially if his contract is allowed to expire. The 31-year-old midfielder is said to be interested in a move to Barcelona, while Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also been named as potential suitors.
The Gunners are expected to balance the impending departure of Jorginho by bringing in Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi, who will likely slot straight into Mikel Arteta's starting XI. If Partey were to leave as well, Arsenal may be forced to recruit another midfielder to offer some competition to Declan Rice and Mikel Merino (assuming the latter is replaced by a natural centre-forward in the summer).
Atletico may have more success in the other half of north London. Diego Simeone's side have long been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, who has made no secret of his desire to move to Spain. The combative Argentine defender could be joined in Madrid by his Spurs teammate Rodrigo Bentancur, another figure tipped to be a target for Atletico if they cannot secure an agreement for Partey.
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