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Atletico Madrid have identified Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey as their dream signing for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain.
The Ghanaian international, who has endured a mixed spell at Arsenal, is entering the final weeks of his contract, which expires on 30 June. Partey will be free to negotiate a move abroad once his deal runs out. While Arsenal had initially appeared resigned to letting the 31-year-old leave, recent reports have suggested the door remains open for a possible contract extension.
Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid are determined to bring Partey back to the Spanish capital. Spanish outlet MARCA reports that Partey is considered Atletico’s “great desire” this summer, with the club having struggled to find a suitable replacement for him since his departure in 2020.
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Arsenal’s recent appointment of Andrea Berta — Atletico’s former sporting director, who oversaw Partey’s sale to the Gunners — could facilitate smoother negotiations between the two clubs. However, Atletico are aware they could face stiff competition for Partey’s signature. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus have all been linked with potential moves for the experienced midfielder.
Thomas Partey (Image credit: Getty Images)Arsenal are already preparing for midfield changes, with Jorginho expected to depart and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi targeted as a key summer signing. Zubimendi, who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, would likely step straight into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
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Should Partey also leave, Arsenal could be forced back into the market for additional midfield reinforcements to provide depth alongside Declan Rice and Mikel Merino — assuming the latter is moved out of midfield in favour of signing a natural centre-forward.
Experienced midfielder Jorginho is also expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, with his contract set to expire in the summer. The Italian has been heavily linked with a move to Brazil, with Flamengo looking likely to secure his signature.
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