Arsenal hope to sign Partey but see Danilo Pereira as an alternative

Arsenal hope to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid but see Porto’s Danilo Pereira as a viable alternative, according to Charles Watts of Goal.

The Gunners offered Atletico £22.8 million in addition to one of their players for Partey. The North London club were willing to offer one of a number of players that are currently on their books and this included Matteo Guendouzi. 

The Spanish club rejected the offer and have maintained that they will not sell the Ghanaian midfielder unless his £45 million buyout clause is triggered. The Gunners have informed Atletico Madrid that they do not plan on paying £45 million for Thomas Partey.

There is hope among those at Arsenal that the Rojiblancos will soften their stance on the player once their Champions League campaign comes to an end. Partey is Arsenal’s top target in the summer transfer window and they will do everything possible to bring him to the Emirates. 

If Arsenal are unable to sign the Ghana international, they view Danilo Pereira as an attractive alternative. The Gunners have held informal talks regarding a move for the 28 year old, according to ESPN, but are yet to make an offer for the player. 

The Portuguese international is interested in a move to England. He recently addressed the rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal and his admiration for Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta. Speaking to Stats Perform News, he said:

“I think he [Arteta] is doing a really, really, good job there. He is a Spanish coach, he is a bit similar to Portuguese coaches, they also want to play with the ball and improve with the ball, so I think he is a good coach.”

“The style I think I can fit there, the way he plays also thinking on the ball, the team always has to be together, I think it is a good way to play.” 

“Of course I like to be here in Porto to be here in my country, but I want to be in a better league like the Premier League. I always dreamed about playing in that league.”

Danilo Pereira has scored nineteen goals and provided eight assists in 198 appearances for Porto since joining them in 2015. This season, he has scored two goals and provided one assist in 39 games across all competitions.

The 28 year old has a buyout clause of £54.4 million but it is understood that he will be available for £18.1 million due to the impact that the coronavirus has had on Porto’s finances as well as their need to satisfy UEFA’s financial fair play requirements.