Arsenal’s pursuit of Thomas Partey may have taken a major blow, with Atletico Madrid having committed to increasing the midfielder’s release clause, so Arsenal should consider Franck Kessie instead.
The Gunners had been eyeing the Ghanaian’s reported £42 million release clause ahead of the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking for midfield reinforcements, however in a bid to keep Partey, Atletico now want to increase that clause.
The Spanish club feel that the clause is outdated, with Partey’s performances in recent times proving he is worth more, and so Goal understand that the club are preparing to offer a new deal to the player with a release clause of around £93 million.
With previous reports having claimed that Partey is set on re-signing for Atleti anyway, Arsenal’s interest could potentially be over, and so the club should now turn their focus to alternate target Kessie.
The AC Milan midfielder is a similar player to Partey, is three years his junior at 23-years old, and could cost far less. Described as being powerful and energetic, and having once been labelled as one of “Europe’s best midfielders”, Kessie could prove to be the ideal player to bolster Arsenal’s midfield.
Transfermarkt value the Ivory Coast international at £22.5 million, while Calciomercato claimed in December that he could leave the Rossoneri for €30million – either price is much cheaper than Partey.
Having played played over 120 times in Serie A despite being just 23, Kessie not only has the ability but also the experience to succeed, and with Milan willing to sell, it could be the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to bring the powerhouse to the Premier League.
