Atletico Madrid want to sign £200k-p/w Arsenal ace amid new contract talks

Spanish giants Atlético Madrid now want to sign a £200,000-a-week Arsenal player as the Gunners begin talks over a new contract, according to a recent report.

Arsenal desperate for a new striker this summer

One of the main reasons why the Gunners were unable to mount a serious title challenge with Liverpool was because of the lack of goals in the team. There are not many weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the lack of a number nine has cost them in the last 18 months to two years, especially once injuries compounded the issue.

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The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see that Arsenal are already looking at the market and trying to find the best possible number nine who will fit into their team. Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David of RB Leipzig and Lille, respectively, have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now. Meanwhile, it was reported over the weekend that the Gunners have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku, who looks set to leave Chelsea at the end of this campaign, given his lack of game time.

Reports have also stated that Arsenal are in advanced talks in a deal to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer. The Spain international has a release clause worth £50 million, and the Gunners are willing to trigger it to get a deal done.

Williams may not be the only high-profile arrival at the Emirates, as Arsenal are now willing to make a bid worth £69 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. This figure would be a lot lower than his release clause, which is reportedly worth £86 million.

Atlético Madrid want to sign £200k-p/w Arsenal ace

These potential arrivals will cost the Gunners a lot in terms of fees and wages, and there is an expectation that some players will have to be let go – Thomas Partey could be one.

According to Marca, relayed by The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Partey amid talks over a new deal with Arsenal.

Partey, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is currently in talks with the Gunners over extending his stay beyond this campaign. However, Arsenal need to act quickly, as Atlético are keeping a close eye on the situation and will be ready to make a move should an agreement not be found. They are not the only team interested either, as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, and the player himself is said to be open to joining Barcelona.

Partey, who has been labelled a player “Arteta loves”, has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving from Atlético back in 2020. This season the midfielder has played 31 games in the Premier League, 27 of which he has started. The Ghana international has also started 10 of the 11 Champions League games the Gunners have played, and he will be looking to add to that as Arsenal face PSG this week.

Arsenal appear keen to tie Partey, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at the Emirates, to a new contract, but it’s been reported that the player’s entourage are in active talks with other clubs, meaning he could be ready to move away from the London side.