Arsenal still ‘most interested’ in Thomas Partey transfer but coronavirus causes delay in talks over deal

ARSENAL are still the side "most interested" in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey but the transfer has been delayed by coronavirus, according to reports.

The Ghana ace has been repeatedly linked with a move to North London but talks surrounding a deal appear to have been pushed back by the outbreak of Covid-19.

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Reports from Spanish media outlet state that Arsenal are "the club most interested in signing Partey".

They suggest that before the coronavirus crisis, the Gunners and Mikel Arteta were ready to stump up the money for the 26-year-old's release clause.

The clause stands at around £43.5million for Partey, who has bagged 15 goals and 12 assists in 174 games for Atleti.

But the financial implications of the virus and impact on the market mean it is unclear whether the Gunners are still willing to fork out the amount required.

It is thought that for now talks are on hold as both the UK and Spain slowly emerge from states of lockdown.

Partey is believed to be solely focusing on the upcoming finish to the La Liga season with Diego Simeone's side.

The Spanish government announced that top-flight football was to resume on June 8 for the first time since it was suspended in March.

Comments from the Ghanaian international's father have caused a stir in recent weeks.

Partey's dad Jacob told a radio station that talks were unfolding between his son and the Gunners but the player's representatives hit back saying it was "totally untrue".

Partey has also been linked with Liverpool - with Atleti supposedly keen on a swap deal with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - and French champions Paris Saint-Germain but Arsenal remains his most likely destination.