Thomas Partey ‘wants Arsenal transfer over PSG to follow in ex-Chelsea ace Essien’s footsteps and succeed in Prem’
THOMAS PARTEY is reportedly set to snub interest from Paris Saint-Germain because he wants to sign for Arsenal this summer.
GHANAsoccernet.com claims the Atletico Madrid midfielder is desperate to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Michael Essien in succeeding in the Premier League.
Chelsea legend Essien won two titles, five domestic cups and the Champions League in 2012 during a glittering trophy-laden nine years at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, his fellow Ghanaian Partey has been consistently linked with a move to the Blue's London rivals Arsenal.
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The 26-year-old is high on Mikel Arteta's wish list as the Gunners boss looks to strengthen in the middle of the park.
His release clause in his Atletico contract is around £43.5million but it is unlikely Arsenal will be able to afford that, especially if they miss out on the Champions League.
SunSport revealed that the Spanish giants are resigned to losing Partey but and are eyeing a straight swap for Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
But the Reds are likely to rebuff any offers for the England star, who still has three years left on his Anfield contract and is highly-rated by Jurgen Klopp.
Partey's future remains less clear after his dad, Jacob, told a radio station how talks between his son and Arsenal were ongoing.
However, the player's representatives denied Partey Snr's comments and claimed the reports are "totally untrue".
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But his agents were recently forced to apologise after uploading a social media post asking fans to vote on the Ghana International's next club.
Arsenal are still facing a summer tug-of-war for Partey's signature, with Juventus and Bayern are also eager to prise away Atleti's No5.
And Rio Ferdinand has urged his former club Manchester United to press ahead with a move.