Guillem Balague provides another update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Thomas Partey

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Guillem Balague has stated on his official YouTube channel that Atletico Madrid are keen on selling Thomas Partey for his release clause and are willing to sanction a deal – but doubts whether Arsenal can afford him.

Partey, 27, has been one of Atletico Madrid’s best players this season and over the past few campaigns under Diego Simeone. Now, with 175 appearances for the La Liga outfit under his belt, he could be about to leave.

The Ghanaian star has a release clause of £45million (Mail). Balague, a transfer expert that works for Sky and BBC, states that Atletico are keen to bring in Partey’s release clause this summer – and know Arsenal are interested.

Balague also states that Arsenal are keen on Partey, but says he would be “surprised” if a deal gets done – because of Arsenal’s lack of funds. Balague also stated that Mauricio Pochettino tried to sign him for Tottenham last summer.

“Atletico are pushing him out of the door. The club are saying: ‘Well, we cannot do anything if somebody comes with €50m (£45m)’, like wishing that €50m arrived.  They are saying they believe Thomas won’t stay there next season.

“Isn’t that another way of saying he’s for sale? The information I’m getting about the kind of money that’s available at Arsenal is not a lot: I’ll be very, very surprised if that happens,” Balague continued.

“Remember, Partey was approached by Pochettino to come to Spurs. It didn’t happen because the money wasn’t made available for Pochettino. It means it has been a while now that Partey has been thinking of leaving.”

TBR’s view – Arsenal need to sell players to sign Partey

Balague is probably right given that Arsenal agreed a wage deferral with their players in order to keep the finances in order. So, for that to happen, and then for the Gunners to spend £45million on a player seems unlikely.

One way that Arsenal could raise the funds, though, is if they sell some fringe players. A whole host of Arsenal players have been linked with an exit, while Atletico are said to want Alexandre Lacazette.

Perhaps a reduced fee and Lacazette could get a deal over the line.