Thomas Partey: Arsenal trigger Atletico Madrid midfielder’s £45m release clause

Arsenal are on the verge of signing one of their key summer targets with hours to spare

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Arsenal have triggered Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause as they verge on completing a deal for the Atletico Madrid midfielder before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Partey, who has been one of Arsenal’s main targets throughout the summer window, underwent the first stages of a medical in Madrid on Monday afternoon before travelling to London.

Arsenal had attempted to negotiate a lower fee with Atletico, however, the Spanish club always remained insistent that the clause in his contract was met in full.

Lucas Torreira is expected to move on loan in the opposite direction after ostracised French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi completed his own temporary move to Hertha Berlin earlier on Monday.

Mikel Arteta has been desperate to reinforce his midfield before the deadline, with the club’s approach for Houssem Aouar grinding to a halt as the Lyon captain confirmed he would remain in France.