Premier League Rumors: Arsenal Ups The Stakes, Napoli Joins Race For Partey

Napoli is reportedly crashing the Thomas Partey chase by offering money and a player to Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal FC has been widely rumored as the club leading the race for the services of Thomas Partey of Atletico Madrid. And based on the latest reports, it appears the Gunners are now in for a battle for the Ghanaian's services.

Napoli has joined the fray and is reportedly interested in getting the 27-year-old to their side. With the $56.7 million fees being a bit hefty, the Serie A club is countering by offering Arkadiusz Milik to the mix. Milik is the same player that Tottenham was interested in getting in January.

In a previous report, it was mentioned that Atletico was willing to let Partey head to Emirates Stadium for a lower fee. With the Gunners dealing with financial issues, Los Indios was open to negotiating their asking price. But that was before Napoli entered the picture.

Diario AS confirmed that Arsenal was indeed in the driver's set for Partey's services. However, the outlet also reported that Napoli was another club hot on the trail of the Ghanaian football player. Probably aware that they need to offer more to get Partey, Milik was the sweetener to try and sway the favor to their side.

The addition of Milik could be a game-changer. The 26-year-old striker has accounted for 47 goals in 113 matches for the Italian club. He is also one of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone's targets. Hence, it may all boil down to what Atletico prefers - cash or a combination of a player and money.

Arsenal is reportedly willing to triple Partey's wages if he ends up at Emirates Stadium. Napoli may have a hard time matching that offer. The Ghanaian's contract runs up to 2023, and any extension would double his salary and also double his release clause. That would shoot to about $112 million.

This season, Partey has shown what he can do. He has had 177 first-team appearances, 40 of which came this season.

Atletico had plans to extend Partey's stay, but contract talks stalled. Aware that the Ghanaian seems bent on leaving Metropolitano Stadium, the club could be waiting for who can give them a good offer heading into the summer.