Arsenal have activated the £45m release clause of Thomas Partey, according to Sky Sports.

Arteta is looking to strengthen his squad to compete for honours in the current Premier League season and the Europa League.

The Gunners have been linked with the midfielder throughout the window but meeting his release clause was the challenge after Atletico made interested clubs aware that the Ghanaian international is not leaving until his buyout clause has been met.

The Premier League side needed to free up wages before any further addition could be brought in.

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With Matteo Guendouzi joining Hertha Berlin on loan, Lucas Torreira also set to sign for Atletico on loan and the Gunners listening to offers for Sokratis, the admission of Partey was opened to finally make the move to the club he desires to play for.

Sky Sports reports that Partey is undergoing medicals in Madrid and his paperwork will be finalised before the window closes. He will then fly to Ghana to play for the Black Stars against Mali in an international friendly on Friday before joining the Gunners when the break is off

Meanwhile, one of the Gunner greatest target, Houssem Aouar is no longer part of the Gunners plans after making his stance of his desire to stay with Lyon.

"I want to continue the adventure with the club who raised me," Aouar told Telefoot over the weekend.