According to Goal, Atletico Madrid don’t think Arsenal’s pursuit of their midfielder Thomas Partey is over.
The Guardian reported earlier this week that Arsenal’s second bid for Partey has been rejected, with Atletico unwilling to accept a player-plus-cash deal.
Arsenal had thrown Matteo Guendouzi into an offer, but Atletico demanded Partey’s £45.5million release clause in full – something Arsenal can’t accept right now.
Some believed that Arsenal would then back away from the Ghanaian, but Atletico still think that the pursuit will continue over the coming weeks.
Atletico can’t give Partey a new deal right now, but believe he is happy and will offer him new terms once their finances improve.
Arsenal do have other targets in mind; this report claims that Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira is one option, whilst AS Roma Live state that Roma’s Amadou Diawara is the top alternative.

This may be a game of brinkmanship from Arsenal, letting this saga run and run in the hope of getting Partey cheaper down the line whilst feigning interest in other midfielders.
Atletico seemingly think that way, believing that Arsenal aren’t backing away from Ghanaian star Partey yet despite these reports of a bid being snubbed.

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