Report: Arsenal FINALLY make their move for Thomas Partey

Arsenal have finally acted on their interest in Thomas Partey by informing LaLiga of plans to activate his release clause with Atletico Madrid.

With mere hours left of the current transfer window, Arsenal appear ready to make a last-ditch move for long-term target Partey.

The Ghana international has interested the Gunners for over a year now. Unai Emery previously tried to sign him last summer, leading to informal talks that ultimately went nowhere.

But the Spaniard’s replacement, Mikel Arteta, shares the same interest in Partey and is all for it. The Arsenal boss reportedly feels the midfielder would prove a valuable addition in the club’s challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

Atletico, however, have proven tough negotiators and previously stated he was ‘untransferable’ amid Arsenal’s reluctance to match his €50m buyout clause.

Amid alleged interest from London rivals Chelsea, though, it seems Arsenal have changed their stance.

According to Cadena COPE reporter Antonio Ruiz, the Gunners have informed LaLiga of their intentions to pay the 27-year-old’s release clause. The payment should be made shortly ahead of Monday night’s deadline.

¡BOMBAZO! 💣

🔴⚪️ Informa @RuizAntonito: "El Arsenal va a pagar la cláusula de rescisión de Thomas Partey" 🔴⚪️

📺#Golazo pic.twitter.com/nKSLKsI3vj

— El Golazo de Gol (@ElGolazoDeGol) October 5, 2020

This move comes just a day after Arteta confirmed the club would make another attempt to sign a new player after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

“What I can guarantee is that we are doing our maximum for that to happen, whether we are going to achieve it or not, I don’t know,” announced Arteta.

“I cannot discuss the players that we want but we recognize certain positions that we believe we are short in.

“First of all, in numbers and then adding different qualities to complement each other and this is what we are trying to do.

“I always try to be really honest and clear. Believe me that the ownership, the board, myself, are doing everything we can to maximize the resources we have to improve the team and to sustain and keep the players that are in this club to make this club successful.

“I have 100% backing from them. It’s not just words, it’s reality. Whoever knows me, if it wasn’t like that I wouldn’t say it but I say it because I feel it and it’s true.”