Atletico de Madrid boss Diego Simeone has explained why some best teams in Europe want to sign Ghana international Thomas Partey.

The 26-year-old has been linked to a host of clubs in the summer transfer window with English side Arsenal reportedly leading the race to sign him.

However, Atleti is confident on renewing the contract of the Ghanaian international, who has been linked with a move away from Los Rojiblancos due to his highly attainable €50m release clause.

According to Simeone, Partey's ability to transition from defence into attack as made him a target for these clubs.

“Thomas is the players who best understand this position of transition from defence into attack with shots and passes between the lines (of the opposition),” Simeone is cited as telling Diario AS.

“When he is at a level with continuity, he is so important that the best teams in Europe do want him.”

Partey showed a masterclass against Liverpool at Anfield as Atletico Madrid eliminated the defending champions.

He has made 173 first-team appearances for Diego Simeone’s side with 36 appearances this season.