Arsenal target wants to follow Chelsea legend's footsteps

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly set to snub interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain because he wants to sign for Arsenal this summer. 

Reports in Ghana claim that the Atletico Madrid midfielder is desperate to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot and idol Michael Essien in succeeding in the Premier League. 

The Chelsea legend won two Premier League  titles, five domestic cups and the Champions League in 2012 during a glittering trophy-laden nine years at Stamford Bridge. 

Partey, who is likened to the iconic all-action midfielder, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League for quite some time now with Arsenal registering the most interest. 

The 26-year-old is high on Mikel Arteta's wish list as the Gunners boss looks to strengthen in the middle of the park. His release clause in his Atletico contract is around just £43.5 million which is not too much these days when the market is so much inflated but it is unlikely Arsenal will be able to afford that as well, especially if they miss out on the Champions League. 

It is also reported that the Spanish giants are resigned to losing Partey this summer but and are eyeing a straight swap for Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. 

The Reds, however, are likely to rebuff any offers for the England star, who still has three years left on his Anfield contract and is highly-regarded by Jurgen Klopp. 

Partey's future remains less clear after his father, Jacob, told a radio station how talks between his son and Arsenal were ongoing. However, the player's representatives denied Partey Sr.'s comments and claimed the reports are "totally untrue".

His agents were recently forced to apologize by Atletico Madrid after uploading a social media post asking fans to vote on the Ghana International's next club. Arsenal are still facing a summer tug-of-war for Partey's signature, with Juventus and Bayern are also eager to prise away Atletico Madrid midfield dynamo. 

Meanwhile, Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand has also urged his former club Manchester United to press ahead with a move as he believes that the 26-year-old will transform the midfield at Old Trafford.

Featured image credits - Pain in the Arsenal