Spanish giants Barcelona have joined a long list of clubs chasing the signature of Ghana international Thomas Partey, GHANASoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The midfielder, who turns 27 today, has been a long time target of English powerhouse Arsenal, but the Gunners are yet to make an official bid for Partey.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are set to gazump the move by triggering the Atletico Madrid star's 50 million euros release clause.

Following Barcelona's success in the signing of former Rojiblanco Antoine Griezeman, the Catalan giants are set to make another coup in the camp of their rivals.

Thomas Partey is reluctant in signing a new deal with the Madrid base club, leaving Diego Simeone to tinker over possible replacements.

Barcelona manager Qique Setien is looking at beefing his squad by adding the Ghanaian to his squad ahead of next season.

Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets has struggled with fitness and Setien believes the 27-year old will be the best player to replace him because of his experience in the LaLiga.