Mikel Arteta is looking to his native Spain to bolster his midfield ranks, the Arsenal manager has identified three potential targets in addition to Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey.

The Gunners currently sit 9th on the table, 11 points behind fourth placed Chelsea, who occupy the the final Champions League spot.

And with Europa League qualification also looking a difficult prospect, Arsenal are focused on recruitment ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Dani Ceballos has already discussed his return to Realmadrid this summer, leaving Arteta with Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Toreira and Joe Willock as his central midfield options.

The report claims Arsenal are ‘close’ to signing Atletico Madrid’s sought-after talent Thomas Partey.

The Ghana international, 27, is contracted at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2023 but will only leave this summer if his release clause is triggered.

Arsenal are tracking three more La Liga prospects in addition to Partey.

Levante midfielder Enis Bardhi is one of those prospects .

The North Macedonia, 24, has scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 96 appearances for the La Liga outfit.

Marc Roca is also on Arteta’s radar and could be snapped up for well below his valuation if Espanyol’s probable relegation is confirmed.

And finally Valencia’s Carlos Soler is being monitored. The 23-year-old has been linked with champions Liverpool in recent months.