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Arsenal in race against time to complete Thomas Partey transfer as contract details emerge
Arsenal are nearing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey.
Thomas Partey transfer to Arsenal detailed by expert
Arsenal are in a race against time to complete a deal for Thomas Partey, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners have activated Partey's £45million release clause and are closing in on a deal for the 27-year-old Ghana international. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been linked with a move to the Gunners throughout the summer window.
Romano says Partey has landed in London to complete his switch to Arsenal.
He claims the midfielder is set to sign a five-year contract, keeping him at the Emirates until 2025.
But there are still obstacles to get over before Partey is officially an Arsenal player.
Romano tweeted: "Thomas Partey is in London. He’s gonna have medicals and sign until 2025 with Arsenal.
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"Race against time to complete everything before next 4 hours - #AFC will trigger €50m release clause, also Atletico board are waiting for official payment to La Liga #DeadlineDay".
Arsenal are in need of midfield recruits following the departure of Matteo Guendouzi to Hertha Berlin on a season-long loan.
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Lucas Torreira is also set to head in the opposite direction to Partey and join Atletico on loan.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Partey will be a great signing for the Gunners.
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“I think he’s a top, top player," Merson said on Sky Sports.
"I almost fell off my chair for £45m - I don’t think that’s a lot of money at all for the quality of player you’re getting in.
"The one thing he brings as well is discipline. He’s played at Atletico Madrid, who are the most disciplined team in Europe.
"He’s not a midfielder who goes running all over the place and think where has he gone, he’s very disciplined, plays in a disciplined team.
"I think he’d be a great signing. I love what Arteta is doing, trying to get rid of the players that aren’t involved, don’t want them hanging around. Fair play.”
Arsenal were also interested in signing Lyon star Houssem Aouar but a deal for the Frenchman was ruled out at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have failed in their attempts to sell left-back Sead Kolasinac.
A deal for Kolasinac to join Bayer Leverkusen fell through on deadline day.
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