David Ornstein denies claims Arsenal are unwilling to pay the release clause for Thomas Partey this summer, despite hopes they can get him for less.

Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi (R) challenges Atletico Madrid's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward Angel Correa (L) during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on June 30, 2020. (Photo by Lluis GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona’ forward Lionel Messi (R) challenges Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey on June 30, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Recent reports suggest a growing interest from Arsenal in Thomas Partey, but one of the fears from fans is that the club won’t pay the player’s €50m release clause with Atletico Madrid.

On Wednesday, we covered reports from David Ornstein in The Athletic that Arsenal are ‘intensifying’ their interest in Partey. He wrote that the club were hoping to negotiate a lower fee than the €50m clause.

However, the journalist has since clarified that he didn’t say Arsenal were unwilling to pay the clause. Just that they’re hoping to pay less.

It’s an interesting update and one that further hints that a move for Partey isn’t out of the question. It’s still very likely Arsenal will need to make money to spend it this summer, but perhaps they’re planning to do so by offloading one or two players.

Perhaps the upcoming window could be busier than previously thought. Of course, the stronger the team finish the season, the more likely that is.