Arsenal urged to pursue deal for Partey

Former Arsenal left-back Armand Traore has urged the Gunners to land the Atletico Madrid box-to-box midfielder Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add a physical presence to his midfield line, and Partey ticks all the boxes.

Despite being identified as Arsenal’s top priority for the summer, the 27-year-old Ghana international is far from switching the Wanda Metropolitano for the Emirates.

His release clause stands a £45million, and Diego Simeone has been reluctant to discuss the sale of one of his favorite midfielders.

But, according to the former Gunner, Armand Traore, Arsenal should be a move for Partey, who ‘reminds him of Gilberto Silva or Vieira.’

“They need to keep Aubameyang,” he said, as relayed by the Express Sport.

“I would strengthen the central defense. I wouldn’t mind a guy like Partey, sitting in front of the defense, somebody a bit angry.

“He reminds me a bit of Gilberto Silva or Vieira, somebody who can go out there and have a go.

“I think Arteta’s doing a great job, and I can only see them doing well in the future, to be honest.”

Before pursuing a deal for Partey, Arsenal will first have to offload some of their fringe players, including Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.

While the former has a very few suitors in Europe, the latter may return to Serie A, with Torino, Fiorentina, and Roma, all interested in acquiring his services.