Arsenal 'unwilling to meet £45m Thomas Partey release clause'

Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to meet the £45m release clause in Thomas Partey's contract at Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old has regularly been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Arsenal understood to have identified him as their top transfer target.

The Gunners remain keen to bring him to North London and have reportedly stepped up their pursuit in recent days, although The Athletic reports that the asking price could prove to be a sticking point.

Atletico are currently unwilling to consider bids lower than Thomas's £45m release clause, which is a figure above Arsenal's valuation of the player.

The Arsenal board are wary of spending too much money with uncertainties still hanging over the long-term financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, and so are eager to drive the transfer fee down.

One potential option could be to include Matteo Guendouzi as a makeweight in the deal following reports that the Gunners are willing to offload the Frenchman amid questions over his attitude.

Thomas has made 41 appearances for Atletico in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and creating one.