English Premier League giants Chelsea wanted to sign Ghana midfielder Thomas Teye Partey before his deadline day move from Athletico Madrid to Arsenal.

The Blues who were very active in the summer transfer window after a transfer ban were ready to splash the cash on the Ghanaian but their primary target was West Ham's Declan Rice but were put off by the Hammers prohibitive valuation of the midfielder.

According to the Telegraph, the Blues were mulling over a move for the combative midfielder before he eventually joined Arsenal in early October.

Thomas Partey has been a huge success each time he has played for the gunners despite injury concerns and the club's general poor performance.

He has since joining Arsenal in transfer deadline day made six appearances for the side but is currently sidelined by an injury.