Thomas Partey has been warned against a summer move to Arsenal by his national team coach, Charles Akonnor.
The Gunners are keen to do a deal for the Atletico Madrid man with a defensive midfielder high on Mikel Arteta's shopping list ahead of the new campaign.
However, Partey's €50million (£45m) release clause is thought to be beyond Arsenal and reports suggest they have already seen two bids below that figure knocked back.
Now their pursuit of the 27-year-old has been hit by a further setback after the Ghana manager attempted to persuade Partey to turn down Arsenal's advances.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t want him to move to Arsenal because with Atletico, he will always play Champions League football," Akonnor said.
“His position is guaranteed and he will always play.
“With Arsenal, I’m not too sure. Arsenal fans will kill me [for saying he should not join them].
“I hope that [he stays], and I’m sure money issues will come in, but I hope that whatever he asks for, Atletico will be able to pay.”
Arteta could turn to Porto’s Danilo Pereira if he can't prise Partey away from Atleti.
