Topics: Thomas Partey, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Deadline Day, English Premier League
The Gunners are reportedly ready to make the $58M upfront payment in order to land the highly-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder.

Deadline Day in the 2020 summer transfer window is upon us and one of several clubs looking to pull off late deals are Arsenal. The Gunners are in search of midfield reinforcements and were heavily linked with two midfielders in the form of Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey. While the Frenchman appears destined to remain at Lyon, growing reports suggest the Gunners might just land the latter. 

The north London giants’ interest in the Ghanaian ace is obvious: the 27-year-old is one of the most highly-rated box-to-box midfielders in world football and would offer much-needed dynamism and athleticism to Arsenal. Arteta’s side have attempted several times before to reach an agreement with his Spanish employers but Los Rojiblancos were unwilling to enter negotiations as the player has a release clause.

That release clause is worth $58M. Atletico demanded that money be paid up in full, a stance which appeared to have derailed the move. However, according to a few journalists, Arsenal are ready to trigger the release clause and have informed the related parties of their intention.

As per Charles Watts of Goal and David Cartlidge of ESPN UK, word out of Colney is that the Gunners are ready to pay the $58M up front and are just ironing out the formalities. Antonio Ruiz of Cadena COPE corroborated this story, claiming via Twitter that the Premier League heavyweights have informed La Liga that they will trigger Partey’s release clause.

Interestingly, when asked about the Deadline Day, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is quoted by Belén Sánchez García of LaSexta as saying "[I’m] busy & worried. Let's hope there is no surprise for the worst as it can always happen because this is football.” Was this in reference to the possible departure of Partey?

It should be noted that the reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water over these speculations, stating that there has been no bid or attempt from Arsenal in regards with their Ghanaian enforcer. Of course, it is Deadline Day, meaning things can easily change in the blink of an eye. Keep your eyes out for this one.