Atlético Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier has disclosed that Ghanaian and teammate Thomas Partey would ‘fit in perfectly’ in Premier League amid transfer speculation.
The 26-year-old is enjoying his best season in LaLiga with Atlético Madrid and with his release clause set at just €50million (£43.5m), it is no surprise he is on the Gunners' radar.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has identified Partey as one of his priority targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Trippier discussed the speculation surrounding the Ghana international's future during a lengthy chat with The Beautiful Game Podcast.
Asked to compare Partey with his former Spurs team-mate Mousa Dembele, Trippier replied: "I’d seen him play for Atletico but I didn’t realise how good he is. ‘It’s unbelievable, his physicality, how he breaks up play."
"Technically, he’s got everything. ‘He ranks as one of the best midfielders I’ve played with but Mousa is Mousa, he’s on a different planet. Even in training, he’s just in cruise control.
"Ask anybody who has played with him and they’ll say Mousa Dembele. That’s how good he was. It was frightening. ‘But Thomas is still very young and everybody loves him out here."
Trippier added: "Going to the Premier League… who knows? Obviously I want him to stay here because he’s a valuable member to our team.
"But I feel like he speaks perfect English. ‘I don’t think he’d have a problem with the Premier League."
Pressed on whether Partey had asked him about the Premier League, Tripper replied: "Not really. Obviously everybody watches the Premier League, even out here you watch games. It gives me a good opportunity to watch nearly all the games out here now."
"But no, they just ask me what it’s like, the style of play, a few players have. It doesn’t mean that they’re leaving by the way!
"They ask about certain players who play in the league, what it’s like and I just say… the Premier League is the Premier League. It is one of the best leagues in the world. ‘But Thomas… he’ll fit in perfectly in the Premier League."
Several clubs are also interested in signing him including Manchester United, Liverpool, PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, are working on a new deal to tie down the player until 2026 (his current contract runs until 2023) and want to increase his clause to a more prohibitive €100m (£87m), according to reports in Spain.