Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Arsenal are firmly interested in a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey during this summer's transfer window.
The Gunners continue to be credited with an interest in the Ghana international, who is allegedly stalling on signing a new deal at the Wanda Metropolitano amid talk of interest from the Premier League.
Di Marzio has said that Mikel Arteta's side want Thomas "a lot", while Atletico would be open to selling the 26-year-old for the right price ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
However, the journalist has said that the Spanish giants "are in control" when it comes to the midfielder.
"Arsenal want him a lot. Every Atletico Madrid player is in the market. So, it depends a lot on the offer. Atletico are open to selling every player if the offer is good," Di Marzio told Sky Sports News.
"It also depends on budget - how much Arsenal can afford? And how much Atletico want? Atletico will want money, so it is difficult to see them doing a deal involving other players as part of it.
"They are very smart when it comes to doing deals and it will not be a surprise if Thomas Partey was to stay. He is young, he is not like Diego Costa, and they can sell him next year if they want or even in two years' time. So they are in control."
Thomas, who has a contract with Diego Simeone's side until the summer of 2023, has scored three times in 35 appearances for his La Liga club during the 2019-20 campaign.
Matt Law
