According to The Guardian, Chelsea view Thomas Partey as an option if they cannot complete a deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Sky Sports have reported that the Atletico Madrid midfielder is also a target for Arsenal, whose negotiations with the Spanish side for Lucas Torreira could hold the key to their hopes of landing Partey.
The Guardian’s report adds that the Ghana international has a £45 million release clause in his contract with Diego Simeone’s side.
Chelsea are arguably a more attractive proposition for Partey, as Frank Lampard’s side would be able to offer him Champions League football this season.
The 27-year-old has previously been likened to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira by ex-Arsenal defender Armand Traore.
TalkSPORT quote him as saying: ‘I would strengthen the central defence. I wouldn’t mind a guy like Partey in there sitting in front of the defence or somebody a bit angry.
‘He [Partey] reminds me a bit of your Gilberto [Silva] or [Patrick] Vieira [in terms of] somebody who can go out there and give it a go.’
Atletico Madrid’s defensive-midfield warrior has made two La Liga appearances this season, having made 46 outings in all competitions last term.
Regardless of whether Partey chooses north London or west London, the two Premier League outfits need to move fast.
The deadline for overseas transfers is in a matter of days – Lampard and Arteta have until October 5th to sign the Ghanaian.
In our view, Arsenal probably have the better chance of landing the ex-Almeria player seeing as Chelsea view Rice as their No.1 target for that role.
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