Arsenal remain keen on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey - but are reluctant to meet his buyout clause.

The Ghana midfielder, who has a release clause of around £45m in his current contract, is a summer target for the Gunners.

The Athletic has claimed that the Gunners have 'intensified' their pursuit - but insist on lowering the fee rather than fork out on his release clause.

Partey, it is understood, is keen on a move to the Emirates.

The midfielder's camp hope the Premier League club can negotiate a deal with their Spanish rivals.