Atletico Madrid have rejected a second bid from Arsenal for Thomas Partey, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners €25 million plus a player, for the defensive midfielder. However, Atletico won’t sell until Arsenal meets the full 50 million euro asking price.
Atletico Madrid Reject Arsenal Bid for Thomas Partey
Arsenal Make Second Attempt for Partey
Atletico rejected the bid of €25 million plus a player, supposedly out of favour Mattéo Guendouzi, for the 27-year-old Ghanian.
Two weeks ago, Arsenal reportedly offered €25 million only for Partey. But Atletico also rejected this bid.
The slightly improved offer came as the Gunners refuse to meet Partey’s current release clause.
Partey’s Contract Dilemma
Atletico recently offered The Ghanian international a new deal which would keep him at Atletico until 2025.
Atleti manager Diego Simione wants to keep his influential midfielder at the club. The new contract was offered as an incentive so Partey remains at Atleti.
However, it appears that the new contract may not convince Partey to stay in Madrid.
The improved contract, offered in April 2020, would see the 27-year-old’s release clause double to 100 million euros. His £65,000 a week wages would also reportedly increase to over £100,000 a week.
But Partey’s unwillingness to sign the improved contract presents Arsenal with an opportunity to persuade the 27-year-old to join.
They want to negotiate a smaller fee for their target. The Ghanaian’s current contract expires in 2023.
Arteta Eager to Sign Partey
Mikel Arteta sees Partey as one of his main targets during this transfer window.
As Geundouzi could leave the club after being dropped from the squad following the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in June. Arteta wants to bolster his deeper midfield options.
Defensive midfielder Partey joined Atletico in 2013. He made nearly 200 appearances for the club overall and made 46 appearances for Atleti last season in all competitions, scoring four goals.
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