Report: Atletico's Partey wants to join Arsenal

Thomas Partey has set his sights on a move to the Premier League.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder revealed he wants to join Arsenal and is optimistic the two clubs can strike a deal to send him to the Emirates Stadium, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.

Partey has told those close to him that he wants to prove himself in England's top flight, McGrath adds.

Before the season was brought to a halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 26-year-old was believed to be among Mikel Arteta's top targets as the Arsenal manager prepared to hit the market during the summer in search of a defensive midfielder.

Atletico have been bracing themselves for teams to pursue Partey this summer and may favor talks with Arsenal in order to discuss a possible deal involving Gunners forward Alexandre Lacazette. McGrath reports the Spanish side has previously shown interest in the Frenchman and is willing to consider swaps in order to limit summer spending.

Partey's possible arrival would result in competition for playing time with Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira, the latter of whom is currently recovering from a fractured ankle.

The Ghanaian has spent five years in Madrid and was a member of the squad that won the Europa League in 2018.