Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly told friends that he is keen on a move to Arsenal when the transfer window reopens.

Arsenal are understood to have made signing a new holding midfielder their top priority for the summer, and Thomas is their number one target in that area of the field.

The Ghanaian has a release clause of £45m in his contract at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, and The Telegraph reports that he is open to joining the Premier League side if they meet Atletico's asking price.

However, should Atletico demand the full £45m fee then that could be a stumbling block, with Arsenal seeing their transfer budget hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gunners could try to lower their cash outlay by offering a player as part of a swap deal, though, and reports suggest that Alexandre Lacazette is a candidate to be included as a makeweight.

Thomas, 26, has made 35 appearances for Atletico this season but is thought to want to test himself in the Premier League.