Report: Arsenal identify ‘transfer priority’ target this summer, willing to take hit

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Arsenal have reportedly made Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey a “transfer priority” ahead of the opening of the summer window, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The 26-year-old has come through the ranks at Atletico and has made 174 competitive senior appearances, registering 15 goals and 12 assists,

He has helped Los Colchoneros win the 2017-18 Europa League and the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently claimed on his official YouTube channel that Atletico want Partey to sign a new deal to remove his estimated £45million release clause – but the player is seemingly refusing to sign.

ESPN shared the Mundo Deportivo report and added that, even though the release clause is a big sum for Arsenal, either in one go or in installments, the Gunners are willing to take that hit as they know what Partey could add to their squad.

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Partey is a player of the highest calibre, a key member of the Atletico side which knocked current Champions League holders Liverpool out of the competition at the last 16 stage.

A no-nonsense defensive midfielder, his reputation is growing across European football, and he’s shown he can impress on the elite stage.

Partey usually sits in a deeper midfield role in front of the back four and is an expert at breaking up play with his aggressive tackling and reading of the game, something Arsenal really could do with.

However, can the Gunners – who aren’t believed to have much of a transfer budget this summer – really afford such a purchase, unless they have outgoings lined up to raise funds?