According to Goal journalist Charles Watts, normally a reliable source, Arsenal have not given up hope of landing Thomas Partey. Atletico Madrid are reluctant to let the 27-year-old goal in the summer unless his £45.5m release clause is triggered.
Diego Simeone is eager to keep the central midfielder at Wanda Metropolitano as he considers him an important part of his squad. The LaLiga side rate the Ghanaian highly and have promised him to hand a bumper new deal, claims Watts.
However, Goal's sources told that Atletico are struggling financially and don't have funds at the moment to raise Partey's salary. The Spanish side want to wait until the financial situation improves before making offering new contracts on better terms.
Arsenal have launched two bids for the central midfielder to see them rejected as they fell short of Atletico's valuation. The Gunners hope the Spanish club will soften their stance on the asking price once the Champions League campaign is over.
If Arsenal fail to strike a deal with Atletico, they'll consider Danilo Pereira as a cheaper alternative, whose stats seem to be as good as Partey's.
