Arsenal are the team that have “expressed the strongest interest” in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, according to the Guardian reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The reliable journalist claims the Gunners have contacted the Ghanaian international’s agent, although they have yet to table a formal offer.

Thomas does have a release clause of €50m (£44m) but that could be more than doubled if Atletico manage to get the 26-year-old to sign a new contract.

Manager Diego Simeone is said to be “desperate” to keep the midfielder and wants his club to also double the Ghanaian’s current salary in order to persuade him to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Arsenal are not the only team interested in Thomas, though, with Romano stating that there are a number of “rival clubs” keen on snapping up the player.

The ball is very much in the player’s court, it seems, with his future likely dependent on whether he accepts a new deal from Atletico.