Arsenal are reportedly preparing to activate the €50m (£42m) release clause in Thomas Partey's Atletico Madrid contract during this summer's transfer window.
The 26-year-old, who will see his current deal at the Wanda Metropolitano expire in June 2023, has contributed three goals in 33 appearances for Diego Simeone's side this season.
According to Libertad Digital, Arsenal are 'very serious' about the Ghana international and are willing to pay the €50m (£42m) buy-out figure in his contract in order to open talks.
The report claims that Thomas wants to remain with Atletico, but the Gunners are expected to push hard to secure his services for the 2020-21 campaign.
The midfielder has only missed two La Liga matches during the current season, while he has appeared in all seven of his capital club's Champions League fixtures.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are also allegedly preparing to reopen contact talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the club captain nears the final 12 months of his current deal.
Matt Law
