Atletico Madrid Pushing to Sign Arsenal Midfielder as ‘Top Priority’ – Report | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid’s Pursuit of Thomas Partey: A Defining Move This Summer?

Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal has taken yet another twist. As reported by Marca, the Ghanaian midfielder is “the great desire” of Atletico Madrid during the upcoming transfer window. With Partey’s contract at Arsenal expiring on 30 June, he is free to negotiate with foreign clubs — a situation that has stirred significant movement behind the scenes.

Earlier reports suggested that Arsenal had come to terms with Partey’s departure. However, fresh claims this week hint at a possible contract extension. This reversal opens up new complexities in what had seemed a straightforward exit for the 31-year-old.

Atletico Madrid, in particular, are eager to bring their former enforcer back to the Spanish capital. As Marca puts it, they have “searched in vain” for a player to anchor their midfield since Partey’s departure to North London in 2020. Arsenal’s recent hiring of Andrea Berta, Atletico’s former sporting director, further fuels speculation, creating a more straightforward pathway for negotiations.

Other European Giants Eye Partey

While Atletico Madrid seem determined, they are far from the only suitor circling. Marca’s report states that Partey is also “interested in a move to Barcelona,” whilst Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are closely monitoring the situation.

Atletico’s urgency is understandable. In Diego Simeone’s tactical setup, a strong, disciplined midfield pivot is essential. It is little surprise that they see Partey — a player they know intimately — as an ideal candidate.

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If Atletico cannot land Partey, they have contingency plans in place, notably targeting Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur, both of whom could bolster the defensive resilience Simeone craves.

Arsenal’s Midfield Rebuild Continues

For Arsenal, Partey’s possible departure is another puzzle piece in their evolving midfield strategy. The Gunners are already preparing for Jorginho’s exit, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi reportedly lined up as a replacement.

Should Partey also leave, Mikel Arteta’s side may be forced to make further additions. Declan Rice, brilliant as he has been, cannot carry the midfield alone, especially if Arsenal are to compete across four competitions next season.

Interestingly, the potential signing of Mikel Merino — assuming he isn’t moved further forward or replaced — suggests that Arteta wants versatility and depth. Losing Partey would, therefore, likely trigger a significant second midfield signing alongside Zubimendi.

Partey’s Potential Return: A Match Made Again?

Reuniting Partey with Atletico Madrid seems logical for all parties involved. Arsenal would free up a significant wage and accelerate their midfield evolution. Atletico would regain a player tailor-made for their system. Partey himself would return to familiar surroundings, where he was once considered among Europe’s elite defensive midfielders.

Yet, as always in football, nothing is straightforward. With Barcelona, PSG, and Juventus lurking, Atletico will need to act quickly — and decisively — if they are to bring their “great desire” home.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, this report from Marca will evoke a bittersweet reaction. On one hand, Thomas Partey has been a fantastic servant when fit. His ball-winning, composure under pressure, and tactical discipline have often provided Arsenal’s midfield with steel it has desperately needed.

However, there’s a growing feeling among the fanbase that the club must evolve. Partey, now 31, has struggled with persistent injuries. Trusting him to anchor a midfield in a Premier League title charge or a Champions League knockout run feels risky.

Seeing Atletico Madrid interested is almost reassuring. It signals that Partey still has immense value at the elite level. Letting him leave on a free might hurt financially, but strategically, Arsenal may well be making the right call.

The prospect of bringing in Martin Zubimendi is mouth-watering. His technical ability, football IQ, and positional versatility could represent an upgrade. If Arsenal add a second midfielder as well — perhaps someone younger and more physically robust — the engine room at Emirates Stadium could look even stronger next season.

It’s always hard to say goodbye to fan favourites, but football is ruthless at the top. Partey has been brilliant, but Arsenal now need to future-proof their squad. If Atletico want him back badly enough, they should be welcomed to the table — provided the terms suit Arsenal too.