Why Arsenal signing Thomas Partey is bad news for Leeds United

Thomas Partey has announced himself on the world stage this season as the anchor in Diego Simeone’s side, but with his release clause relatively low – a move to Arsenal is reportedly in the offing. But such a move could be bad news for Leeds.

Coming through Atleti’s youth system, 26-year-old Partey has since starred for Atletico and although he has only played 175 times – the Ghanaian ace has now made himself first choice for Diego Simeone over the past two seasons.

His combative style of play in between the defence and midfield, twinned with his footballing intelligence and excellent array of passing is crucial to Atletico’s mantra under Simeone. It has seen Arsenal come calling.

The Guardian claim Arsenal want to sign Partey and have made contact with his agent, in order to activate his £43.6million release clause. Certainly, the Ghanaian would be a stunning addition to Arsenal’s midfield.

Thomas Partey has announced himself on the world stage this season as the anchor in Diego Simeone’s side, but with his release clause relatively low – a move to Arsenal is reportedly in the offing. But such a move could be bad news for Leeds.

Coming through Atleti’s youth system, 26-year-old Partey has since starred for Atletico and although he has only played 175 times – the Ghanaian ace has now made himself first choice for Diego Simeone over the past two seasons.

His combative style of play in between the defence and midfield, twinned with his footballing intelligence and excellent array of passing is crucial to Atletico’s mantra under Simeone. It has seen Arsenal come calling.

The Guardian claim Arsenal want to sign Partey and have made contact with his agent, in order to activate his £43.6million release clause. Certainly, the Ghanaian would be a stunning addition to Arsenal’s midfield.

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But such a transfer could prove bad news for Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United. That is because Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Atletico Madrid will target Wilfried Ndidi, if Partey leaves for Arsenal.

Nigeria international Ndidi is similar to Partey, if not slightly better on the ball but less physical. Surely a move to work with the likes of Diego Costa, Joao Felix, Jan Oblak and other Atletico stars will be difficult to turn down for Ndidi.

Bleacher Report claims if Ndidi leaves Leicester, the Foxes will target Kalvin Phillips – who is arguably Leeds’ most-important player at the moment. Such a transfer merry-go-round could see Phillips leave Leeds.

The overriding belief is that Phillips will remain with Leeds if they gain promotion, but if the season continues and they struggle for form – or the season becomes null and void – that may see the Whites remain in the Championship.

So, it is more than possible that if Partey moves to Arsenal, Atletico will want Ndidi, and such a move could see Leicester replace Ndidi with Phillips.

By: Will Butcher [www.tbrfootball.com]