ARSENAL fans are convinced Thomas Partey will join them after he was left on the bench for Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners have been chasing the midfielder all summer – but he has a huge release clause of £45million.
Partey, 27, is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League with Arsenal.
And fans believe a deal is in the pipeline after he was left out of Atletico's squad.
Diego Simeone left him on the sidelines for Sunday's LaLiga game against Granada.
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After the line-up was confirmed, one Arsenal fan said: "Thomas Partey is on the Atletico bench and he wasn't in their kit photoshoot either.
"Something is definitely happening behind the scenes."
Another supporter said: "Partey on the bench for Atletico is good news."
And one tweeted: "Thomas Partey on the bench today as Atletico play Grandad. Could that mean something? #AFC #Transfers."
One claimed: "Thomas Partey is on the subs bench today, that's it he's coming to Arsenal."
Partey was stuck on the bench until he was put on to replace Yannick Carrasco in the 71st minute.
Atletico won the match 6-1 – with the final two goals coming from new boy Luis Suarez.
Partey has been with Atletico Madird since 2012 – but he has turned down a new deal with the club.
Arsenal have not been able to get the Spanish side to lower their demands for him.
But Atletico's reported interest of Arsenal's Lucas Torreira has led to talks over a swap deal.
Simeone's side are keen to sign Torreira on loan – but the Gunners want to offload him permanently.
Arsenal are also set to step up their pursuit for Houssem Aouar with a £45m bid.
Arteta has already had an initial £36m bid turned down by French club Lyon.
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