Premier League Rumors: Partey Closer To Joining Arsenal, Atletico Madrid Softens Demands

Arsenal FC's wish to acquire Thomas Partey just got a major boost with reports that Atletico Madrid is now willing to let the Ghanaian move out. The 27-year-old midfielder is in the wish list of Mikel Arteta $56.7 million to complete the transfer. The Gunners may not have that budget available, meaning Arsenal may have to sell off some off players. But the good news is that Los Indios is allegedly open to negotiation that asking price.

It appears the Spanish club plans to cash in on Partey so that they can get a bit of flexibility in the next transfer window. Arsenal is at the top of the list but there could be other teams entering the picture. The asking fee by Atletico is considered a bargain by most. If the Gunners are unable to raise the needed funds to take in Partey, there is a chance he may be offered to other teams.

For his part, Partey has not shown any indication of wanting to leave Wanda Metropolitano just yet. Unfortunately, that may no longer be his call. He is singled out as the most sellable asset of the club. Aside from that, they are already overstocked in the midfield position.

The development comes not long after Partey returned to action in Atleti's game against Athletic Bilbao. Though they are now open to dealing away Partey, a move out of the Spanish club may take time. With management open to lowering the transfer fee, Arsenal and some other teams will be negotiating for a win-win deal. Partey is a logical target with the Gunners expecting Granit Xhaka and Lucas Toreira possibly on their way out.

One person who is likely to be happy with the move is Partey's father Jacob. In a previous post, the elder Partey said that he was informed by his son about talks going on between Atletico and Arsenal. Jacob Partey got word of the impending move and immediately called his son to verify if the transfer rumors were true back in April.

“I have called my son and he told me the truth but Athletico Madrid are now discussion about the move," Jacob Partey said. “I will be happy if my son joins Arsenal but what is needed is how his current club is going to release him," he added.