English giant Arsenal are confident of pricing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid despite the latter increasing the expected earnings of the player.

Partey has, since late last year, been linked to Arsenal who are in dire need of a holding midfielder who can protect the back four.

The London club have leaked goals in recent seasons and Coach Mikel Arteta believes the Black Stars player is the one who will bring solidity to the middle of the team.

Partey has a release clause of around £43million (€50m) and reports coming out of Italy claimed last week that Arsenal have tabled a bid of that amount.

Express UK said Atletico are desperate to tie the 26-year-old down to a new deal that would see that clause soar and have begun negotiations over an extension, although his current deal does not expire until 2023.

Thomas Partey earlier this month, said he is "sure" he will stay at the Wanda Metropolitano and added: "I don't know of another place that will understand how I play like they do here."

Arteta intends bolstering his midfield and defense in order to challenge for laurels which has eluded the club for a long haul.