According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sportwitness), a reliable source in Italy, Thomas Partey is 'one step away' from joining Arsenal. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been long linked with a move to the Emirates and the Italian newspaper says Arsenal are ready to splash the cash to meet the buyout clause.

Different sources have claimed that the Spanish outfit are planning to increase his release clause from £44m to £93m in a new deal to fend off interest from suitors. But as things stand now, the Ghanaian hasn't signed a contract extension.


The Corriere report adds that head coach Diego Simeone might be reluctant to sell Saul Niguez, another player who draws interest from big clubs, as the club are ‘preparing to lose another key midfielder’ in Partey.

Manchester United and Inter Milan are said to be in the race for the Ghanaian as well.