Arsenal withdraw interest from major summer target over €50m demand

Arsenal’s bid to bring Thomas Partey to the club this summer is over, according to a report.

Mikel Arteta is overseeing his first summer transfer window in charge at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners boss has already been busy – bringing in Willian with Gabriel Magalhaes soon set to follow. The club have also already confirmed permanent deals for Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari.

Alongside Lille defender Gabriel, the man at the top of their wanted list is Atletico midfielder Partey.

Partey has three years left on his contract, but Atletico cannot stand in his way if another club activates his €50m release clause.

However, that price appears out of Arsenal’s price range. In fact the Gunners have tried to get creative to bring the price down. Indeed, previous reports have suggested they have rejected offers from Arsenal that had used players as counterparts to reduce the cost.

Atleti, however, are adamant they won’t be giving any discounts on that price tag.

As such, Spanish publication Sport claims Arsenal have been forced to abandoned their interest in Partey. The report adds that Arsenal’s failure to drive down the asking price has forced the decision as they ‘don’t intend to pay the €50m demanded’.

Arsenal target Barcelona man as Plan B

Arsenal are instead reported to have turned their attention elsewhere.

Reports on Monday claimed they leading the chase to sign Barcelona outcast Rafinha as an alternative.

The midfielder has just completed a season-long loan deal with Celta Vigo, but will return to his parent club.

Now, according to Spanish publication Sport, the midfielder has been put up for sale at €16m.

The Gunners aren’t the only side interested, however. He’s also being watched by Everton and West Ham, while Lazio are also keen.

Sport, however, claim the midfielder would prefer a move to the Premier League.

He could, ironically, come up against his brother with Thiago Alcantara strongly linked with Liverpool.

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