Thomas Partey has told Atletico Madrid's top brass he WANTS to join Arsenal.

The Telegraph says the Ghanaian has told Atletico, who had hoped to tie him down to a new contract, that he wants to move to the Emirates at the end of the season.

Partey has a £43million release clause in his contract and the La Liga club had hoped to tie him down to a new deal.

Atletico also hold apparent interest in Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette, who could depart this summer with his contract expiring in 2022.

Los Rojiblancos are open to swap deals with the coronavirus pandemic having taken a financial toll on the club and European football as a whole, with the upcoming window expected to be quieter than usual.