Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien says he would have loved to play alongside reported Arsenal target Thomas Partey in a live Instagram interview.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been linked with a summer exit.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are keen to sign Partey while the Ghana international is open to moving to the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window begins.
Partey has shown his qualities in the middle of the park for Atleti this season.
And former Chelsea midfielder Essien has spoken of his admiration for his fellow countryman.
Thomas [Partey] is such a good player. I’d have loved to play with him,” Essien said, quoted by Goal.
“He is a young and talented player making waves in Europe. He is one player I’d liked to play alongside but it will never happen. It is their time at the Black Stars now so we have to support them and hopefully they can take it from where we left off.”
Partey has a £45 million release clause in his contract at Atleti.
The La Liga club are seemingly desperate to pen him down to a new deal. However, talks so far have proven futile with question marks over his future.
Arsenal are keen to strengthen their midfield and Partey would be a sound option.
The 26-year-old made 24 La Liga appearances prior to the Covid-19 suspension. He averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game (Whoscored).
Partey played a key role in Atletico Madrid’s Champions League knockout victory over Liverpool as Diego Simeone’s side triumphed 4-2 on aggregate.
The Gunners have long lacked physicality and leadership in the middle of the park and Partey still has his best years ahead of him.
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