Chelsea are weighing up a possible bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey before the transfer window closes,  according to reports in the English media.

Arsenal have been eyeing a move for the Ghanaian international all summer but have been unable to find the funds to trigger the player’s €50m (£45m) release clause.

However, Chelsea may see Partey as a cheaper alternative to West Ham’s Declan Rice. The Hammers are believed to be holding out for around £75m for the England international, which would make the Atletico star’s buyout fee a more attractive option.

With the Gunners currently focused on getting a deal over the line for Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, there is a risk that they could lose out on one of their other key transfer targets.

At this stage, Chelsea have not made a formal approach to sign Partey and Arsenal fans will be hoping the Blues very much keep their focus on signing Rice instead.