Transfer Rumors: Atletico Madrid Thumbs Down Second Arsenal Offer For Partey

KEY POINTS

Atletico Madrid standing firm on asking fee for Thomas Partey
Arsenal expected to make another offer for Thomas Partey
Arsenal working on tight budget, likely to offer another player to Los Indios

Arsenal F.C. has reportedly made a second offer to Atletico Madrid for Thomas Partey but was thumbed down. It appears Los Indios is standing firm on wanting only cash for the Ghana player worth roughly $45.5 million.

Initially, the Gunners offered roughly the same amount but without specifying which player they were offering. Los Indios rejected that offer but it appears Arsenal tried again with the identity of the player revealed. Nothing has changed according to The Mirror.

On Arsenal's end, the need to add a player to the mix is expected. The Gunners do not have the luxury of shelling out cash, a reason why they are trying to add some players to offset the cash balance.

The player that Atletico seemed interested in was Alexandre Lacazette. However, Mikel Arteta preferred to keep the 29-year-old in the fold despite a difficult season. The Gunners coach says he is happy with the French striker who is included in Arteta's plans.

"Laca is a player I always liked even when I was still playing," Arteta said.

The Gunners will likely try again until they can come up with an acceptable deal for Partey. The 27-year-old is high on Arteta's list but the exchange needs to be something that would be of interest to Los Indios.

Also, it would be best to note that clubs know what Arsenal is up to. Guendouzi may have worn out his welcome, defying to align with Arteta. The trouble started when the French player jawed with Neal Maupay of Brighton.

Looking at the other players on the Gunners' end, another player who could be offered is Mesut Ozil. The only problem with that is that the German carries a hefty wage that may not be acceptable to Atletico.

As for Partey, a move out of Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is not expected to be easy. Though he has three years left in his current deal, Los Indios wants him to sign a new deal. The reason behind that is for Atletico to be able to raise the numbers on his release clause. The fee stands at $58.5 million at current.