The father of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has confirmed that Chelsea were interested in signing the former Atletico Madrid man during the summer.
With just hours remaining in the most recent transfer window, Arsenal triggered Partey's £45m release clause and signed the Ghana international from Atletico on a five-year deal.
The Gunners were regarded as the frontrunners for Partey's signature throughout the summer and managed to get a deal over the line, but Partey's father has since revealed that other top European teams were also in the race.
Speaking to MyJoyOnline, Jacob Partey said: "We were aware of the other teams that were interested: Juventus, Chelsea and so forth. From that minute, we started to dance to 'Party after Party'."
Partey is currently on international duty with Ghana, where he bagged two assists in their 5-1 friendly thrashing of Qatar on Monday afternoon.
The 27-year-old could be in line for his Arsenal debut this Saturday when the Gunners travel to Manchester City following the international break.
Ben Knapton
