Arsenal have reportedly already told Atletico Madrid that they will not pay Thomas Partey’s £45million release clause, with the deal now in serious doubt. The Gunners have been informed by Atletico that they must pay the clause if they’re to complete the capture of the Ghanian international.

Earlier this year the Arsenal hierarchy identified Thomas as a player they would like to try and sign this summer.

Atletico simply do not want to lose him and although he is contracted until 2023, the club have offered him an additional two years on improved terms.

Thomas has stalled on the deal though and has not given the La Liga giants his word that he will stay.

Furthermore, the midfielder grew up supporting Arsenal and is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

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According to The Guardian, Arsenal have already told Atletico that they won’t be paying Thomas’ release clause.

The deal is still possible though if they can recoup some money through the sale of fringe players.

Arsenal are set to try and tie up a permanent deal for Dani Ceballos, who was excellent since the restart in the second half of his loan spell from Real Madrid.

Kieran Trippier plays alongside Thomas at Atletico and he does not want to see him make the move to his former rivals, despite claiming he can be a success in England.

“I’d seen him play for Atletico but I didn’t realise how good he is,” Trippier told The Beautiful Game Podcast.

“It’s unbelievable, his physicality, how he breaks up play. Technically, he’s got everything

“He ranks as one of the best midfielders I’ve played with but Mousa is Mousa, he’s on a different planet. Even in training he’s just in cruise control.

“Ask anybody who has played with him and they’ll say Mousa Dembele. That’s how good he was. It was frightening. But Thomas is still very young and everybody loves him out here.”

“Going to the Premier League… who knows? Obviously I want him to stay here because he’s a valuable member to our team.

“But I feel like he speaks perfect English. I don’t think he’d have a problem with the Premier League.”