Arsenal remain favourites to land Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.

La Razon says the Gunners' interest in the Ghanaian is said to be an "open secret" with a lack of Champions League football not expected to affect the deal.

Atletico are resigned to Partey's departure and are already looking to identify potential replacements.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sees his £45m release clause as a bargain with a central midfielder on his shopping list.

And for Partey, it's understood leaving a side who regularly compete in Europe is not likely to be an issue.