Arsenal have met Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause and are expected to complete the Atlético Madrid player’s signing on Monday night.
Unless there is a last-minute hitch Partey, a long-term target for Arsenal, will complete their transfer activity for this window and give a significant boost to Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Arsenal had been struggling to land Partey or another potential acquisition, Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, but advised La Liga of their intention to pay the release fee on Monday. In Spain, meeting a release clause effectively bypasses negotiations with the selling club; Atlético have been informed that Arsenal have, as required, paid in a lump sum and Arteta is likely to get his man.
Partey is believed to be scheduled for a medical in Madrid and loose ends will be tied up on Monday night. Should all remaining hurdles be crossed, the Guardian understands personal terms would be a formality. Partey would sign a four-year deal worth about £230,000 a week and would receive seven-figure signing-on fee.
One of Arsenal’s midfielders, Matteo Guendouzi, has signed for Hertha Berlin on a season’s loan. Guendouzi has been out of favour since June and Arteta, exasperated by various issues with the player, has been keen to move him on. Hertha are understood to have paid a loan fee but there is no obligation to buy.