Report: Arsenal undeterred in pursuit of 26-year-old open to Gunners move, Mikel Arteta ‘so keen’

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Arsenal are reportedly set to “ignore” comments made by Thomas Partey’s agent as they continue pursuing a player who Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is “so keen” to sign, according to Football London.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been linked with Arsenal for some time and speculation gathered pace when his father was quoted as saying that both parties have been in contact about a possible £43million transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

“I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true,” Jacob Partey told Tru FM’s Sports World Show, as quoted by Football London. “He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal.”

The player’s agency, JJ Sports, claimed that Arsenal actually weren’t as close to landing Partey as had been suggested, telling Marca: “This is all fake”.

However, Football London says the Gunners will not be deterred by the stern response, as their midfield is one area that Arteta will be eager to strengthen in the next transfer window.

The outlet also suggests that Arteta is aware of his midfield currently lacking the defensive solidity required to support the attack-minded front four, hence why he is “so keen” to acquire the services of a player with “almost no weaknesses in his game”.

TBR View:

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.