Chelsea could beat Arsenal to the signing of La Liga star with £45m release clause

Chelsea to rival Arsenal for Thomas Partey

According to the Express, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.

Blues boss Frank Lampard has been backed to the hilt in the summer window. Despite bringing in six major players, he is keen to add a defensive midfielder to his squad.

In Partey, he would be getting one of the best in the business. The 27-year-old is a key member of Diego Simeone’s side and is a powerhouse of an athlete in the middle of the park.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Thomas Partey
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Thomas Partey

Combining physicality and ability, the Ghanian is an excellent footballer capable of standing up to the best. He gave a sound audition of his abilities as Atletico knocked out Liverpool from the Champions League last season.

Capable of also playing at right-back, Partey is a versatile player. With a release clause of £45m, he represents a cheaper alternative to Declan Rice.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the West Ham United star. However, the club will need to sell before they meet Rice’s massive asking fee. With West Ham not entertaining any offers, the Blues have been forced to look elsewhere.

West Ham United are not keen on selling Declan Rice
West Ham United are not keen on selling Declan Rice

Too late to the party?

Arsenal too are keen on Partey and have been chasing him all summer. Mikel Arteta is keen to add steel to a side that is hoping to improve upon last season’s 8th-place finish.

Atletico for their part are not averse to selling the player but insist on his release clause being met. Arsenal have so far been unable to raise the funds required, giving us an opening if we choose to take it.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atletico expect Partey to stay at the club this summer. With just over a day to go before the window closes, that might well prove to be the case.

More Chelsea News

Chelsea got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace yesterday. New boy Ben Chilwell was amongst the scorers as the Blues romped home 4-0 on the day. The win keeps us within touching distance of the top.