Thomas Partey urged to snub Arsenal transfer by Ghana boss

Thomas Partey has been warned against moving to Arsenal by his national team boss.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has emerged as Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta's leading transfer target this summer.

Arteta sees the 27-year-old lynchpin as central to his rebuilding job which began with the signing of Willian from Chelsea.

But Ghana coach CK Akonnor would rather see Partey remain in Spain so that he can compete in the Champions League.

"Honestly, I wouldn’t want him to move to Arsenal because with Atletico, he will always play Champions League football. His position is guaranteed and he will always play," he said.

"With Arsenal, I’m not too sure. Arsenal fans will kill me [for saying he should not join them]. I hope that, and I’m sure money issues will come in, but I hope that whatever he asks for, Atletico will be able to pay."

Arsenal are also interested in Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes but may have to free up transfer funds first.

The Gunners want to offload Mesut Ozil but the German has no intention of leaving before his contract expires next summer.

Ozil told The Athletic: "My position is clear. I'm here through to the last day of our agreement and I'll give everything I have for this club.

"Situations like these will never break me, they only make me stronger. I showed in the past that I can come back into the team and I will show it again.

"I'll decide when I go, not other people. I didn't sign for two or three years, I signed for four and that should be respected by everyone.

"Things have obviously been difficult but I love Arsenal, I love to work there, I love the people in the club - the real people, those I've been with for a long time - and I love London, it's my home."