Arsenal are in talks with Atletico to sign Partey, according to player's father

Arsenal have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over the signing of their midfielder Thomas Partey, the player's father has claimed.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been heavily linked with a summer move to the Emirates and has a £43million release clause in his current deal - allowing the Gunners to possibly snap him up for a relatively cheap fee.

The 26-year-old has been an important member of Diego Simeone's team in LaLiga this season, starting 21 times and scoring twice - putting on a series of combative displays in the middle of the park.

Arsenal are now said to be leading the race to sign him and bulk up their midfield which is lacking in quality, and Partey's father Jacob said he can confirm the speculation around a possible transfer bears fruit.

'I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true,' he told Tru FM's Sports World Show.

'He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal. 'It all depends on the offer Atletico are demanding. If he goes to Arsenal fine, they have a lot supporters in Ghana.'

Jacob said he would be pleased for his son if he seals his move to north London, and said talks are at a stage where his current employers are discussing 'how they will release him'.

'I will be happy if he decides to move to Arsenal. What they are discussing now is how Atletico will release him.'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is in need of a reinforcements in midfield with question marks over a number of stars, including Mateo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.

Partey's last game came in Atletico's Champions League win over Liverpool at Anfield in March, and he put in a superb display. The Reds were frustrated against a stubborn Atletico side as the midfielder made four successful tackles, four interceptions and four clearances.