Thomas Partey keen to stay with Atletico amid interest from Arsenal

Atletico Madrid midfielder, Thomas Partey is keen to stay with the club despite interest from English Premier League side Arsenal.

Arsenal are willing to pay the €50m release Thomas Partey this summer, according to reports in Spain.

The 26-year-old had been set to sign a contract extension that would have doubled his clause to €100m but that deal hasn’t been signed yet, despite being one of the club’s top-performing players.

The Ghanaian international signed a five-year contract with Atlético in January 2018 and talks are reportedly ongoing between the player’s representatives and the Madrid club regarding a salary increase and new contract.

It has been reported that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is keen to add ball-playing midfielders to his team this summer.

Partey also adds defensive cover to Diego Simeone’s back four and would be a key influence in this area if Arsenal were to sign him.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire senior career at the Spanish giants and has recently hinted at his intention to stay put as long as he is wanted at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"I think I am proud for having attracted the attention of other teams and this motivates me because it makes me feel that I am doing things well and improving things.

"There are things that you always think since childhood, but when you grow up things can change and you don't know what can happen, but my desire is to stay here until the team don't want me anymore”, he said in an interview.

Atleti are said to be 'unaware' of Arsenal's interest in their player but have made it clear that they want to retain the midfielder, whom they view as a key part of their team.