Atlético de Madrid are clear that they need urgent reinforcements for the midfield, Rodrigo de Paul's absence in Vallecas has shown that, when he catches a cold, there are problems. It is the position that is most sought after to improve and the one that Diego Pablo Simeone will demand the most, and the name is clear. He is an old acquaintance of his, who will be free next June: Thomas Partey is the profile that is being sought.
The Argentine knows the African midfielder very well, and he did not want to lose him under any circumstances, although it was impossible to keep him. It was impossible because Arsenal 's offer tripled his salary, and the player wanted new challenges, Arsenal and the Premier League were his desire. Although the transfer has not gone as he wanted, he does not regret it, but sources close to the player indicate that he would return without hesitation.
He did not leave Madrid on good terms, but he has never forgotten Atleti , Cholo , or the team in which the Ghanaian player was formed. He won the last league in which he participated, although he only played two games, and then he left for London . His contract expires in June 2025 , and Arsenal would let him go for an affordable figure next January.
Rodri and Thomas Simeone's wishes
His experience and knowledge of the club make him ideal, along with the other big hope, Rodri Hernandez, although he is injured. What people like most about Thomas is his strength, his level of recovery and his arrival at the opposite goal. He has grown a lot physically in the Premier League , and that is one of the reasons why they want to sign him.
At 31 years old, he still has football to give, even Mikel Arteta has thought about renewing his contract , although today it is far away. There are distances between the gunner team and his agent, who asks for three more years and a minimum 20% increase in his salary. With the London shirt he has played 121 games , scoring 6 goals and 4 assists , while in red and white he has played 188 games with 16 goals and 11 assists .
He has not gotten over his departure
Since his move to Arsenal , Koke has not found a permanent partner who has the strength and recovery level of Thomas Partey . Simeone sees him as the perfect player for his system, and pairing him with Conor Gallagher could provide a lot of strength to the Atletico midfield. They were rivals in the city: one at Arsenal and the other at Chelsea .
The experience with the Englishman is an incentive to repeat operations with the Premier League , and it is understood that he will help the future improvement of the team. Conor Gallagher has fallen on his feet in Madrid and has scored two goals in his last games. Thomas Partey would be a perfect partner for the Englishman, so it is hoped that contacts for his signing can be accelerated.
Saudi Arabia is Atlético 's main rival to sign the youth player, as, as he is a free agent, they can offer him very significant amounts. Although Thomas has a thorn in his side with the red-and-white team and has no doubt: if he can, he wants to return to the Colchoneros.