Speaking recently on the Ask Ornstein YouTube show, David Ornstein discussed Arsenal’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey, who is a product of the Atletico youth setup, has made 185 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, scoring 16 goals and providing 12 assists along the way.
Last season, the midfielder made 35 La Liga appearances, scoring three goals and averaging an impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.08/10 – ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in the league.
The 27-year-old has also performed well in the Champions League thus far, scoring one goal and providing one assist over his eight appearances in the competition, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.55 – helping his side to reach the quarter-finals, in which they face German side RB Leipzig on Thursday.
Due to his impressive performances, it has been reported that Arsenal are keen on a move for Partey this summer, and on the subject of the Ghana international, Ornstein discussed the Gunners’ potential move for the player.
He said: “We know he’s been Arsenal’s main target for the central midfield role this summer, he’s been on their radar for a number of years. I don’t think it would be a case of whether he wants to come, it’s whether Arsenal can strike the deal.
“It’s very simple from Atletico Madrid’s perspective: he’s got a €50 million release clause – if Arsenal or anybody else pays it, then it’s up to him what he wants to do. But I don’t think they’ll accept less than the release clause.
“I think Arsenal, or people on their behalf, have suggested swaps with the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Alexandre Lacazette, but Atletico have been very clear that they want the release clause paid.
“It’s not as straightforward as some may think, because Arsenal will have to pay the release clause in one go, as is the case in Spain, and that will also have tax on top of it, which will add a few more million euros. And, Thomas Partey will command a very high salary, I’m told in excess of £200,000 a week.
“So, they’ll hope to get that deal done, but it’s not easy at all.”
TIF Thoughts…
As such, it would appear that Ornstein is of the belief that Arsenal have been trying to offer the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette to Atletico, in order to soften the blow on the price of the £36 million-rated man, who is said to have a release clause of €50 million (£45.2 million).
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However, it seems as if Atletico are unwilling to listen to any offers under the player’s release clause. So, if Arsenal really do want to bring Partey to north London this summer, it may be a case of put up or shut up for the Gunners.