There are days to go until the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season, but Arsenal remain busy in the summer transfer market.

The Gunners have bolstered their squad with the signings of Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and the loan capture of Dani Ceballos.

But Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta remains keen on signing another dynamic player.

And one player who is on the Gunners' radar is Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.

And with that in mind, here is a round-up of everything we know so far about Partey's future and Arsenal's interest in him.

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Atletico eye replacement

Atletico Madrid are eyeing a move for Partey's replacement.

According to Marca, Atleti are lining up a move for Espanyol's Marc Roca.

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But the report claims the La Liga giants might need an influx of funds to get the deal done with Roca's release clause at £40million.

That could see them give way on Partey, demanding the full release clause of £45million until now.

Arsenal will be hoping that's the case, apparently desperate to land the midfielder but unwilling to stump up the £45million.

What the player has said

The player has previously talked about his desire to play in the Premier League to put Arsenal on red alert.

"At the moment, I am happy at my club," Partey told ESPN, speaking last summer.

"But in football, you never know when and where you'll be in the next day or year

(Image: Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

"The Premier League is a good league, it's very competitive and has some of the best players in the world," he added. "Hopefully, one day. I would like to play there.

"My agents are on it so I will leave everything for them," he added.

"For me, I am happy playing football and I will continue to play where I am now until something comes up for consideration."

Father's Premier League hint

Partey's father also reiterated his son's desire to move to England one day.

"I personally told him to move on, if he is not wanted at where he is right now," he told Enigye FM.

"Because he might be wanted at somewhere else and so he will like to move to England if he gets the chance."

Arsenal 'make contact'

According to The Guardian, Atletico Madrid have moved to fend off serious interest from Arsenal by offering Thomas Partey a new contract.

The Gunners have reportedly established contact with Thomas Partey’s entourage and have shown the greatest desire to sign the player among all interested clubs.

The report also claims Mikel Arteta is keen to add him to the Arsenal squad, but the Gunners have not lodged an official bid yet.

Partey's dad confirms talks

Arsenal fans have been getting excited about the rumours linking Partey to the Emirates.

And the excitement will be ramped up with the news that Partey's father has confirmed transfer talks between Atletico and the Gunners.

Speaking to Tru FM he said: "I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true.

"He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal."

Atletico 'open' to selling if price is right

According to Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid are ready to part company with Thomas Partey this summer, but only if the right offer is made.

In a Q&A on Sky Sports, the Italian journalist wrote: 'Arsenal want him [Thomas Partey] a lot. Every Atletico Madrid player is in the market.

'So, it depends a lot on the offer. Atletico are open to selling every player if the offer is good.

'It also depends how much #Arsenal can afford? And how much Atletico want.

'Atletico will want money, so its difficult to see them doing a deal involving other players as part of it. They're very smart when it comes to deals & it wont be a surprise if Partey stays.'

Partey 'open' to Arsenal transfer

The latest rumour is that Partey has made it clear he would like to move to Arsenal and is hoping a deal can be struck between the clubs.

In addition, the Telegraph claim that Atletico retain an interest in Gunners striker Alexandre Lacazette and will be one of the European clubs open for swap deals.

Could Partey be heading to the Emirates with Lacazette moving in the opposite direction?

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Teammate hint

Ghana defender Kasim Nuhu has described the Premier League as the "best" league in world football as speculation about fellow countryman Partey's future continues to mount.

Nuhu - who plays his club football for German club Hoffenheim - has become the latest person to weigh in on the Partey to Arsenal transfer story, claiming that the Premier League is the "best league in the world," suggesting that he may have dropped a subtle hint to his international teammate about sealing a move to the Emirates Stadium.

"Atletico is a very good club, so he's playing one of the biggest clubs in the world and Arsenal is also one of the biggest, but as we all know the Premier League is the best league in the world, so if he joins Arsenal I will be happy for him," he said.

Arsenal fans hijack Ghanaian president's press conference

Arsenal fans have taken their hopes of signing Partey to a whole new level, as they even put a question to the Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo, about the midfielder's future.

During Akufo-Addo's address to the nation, which was screened live on TV and on Facebook on Monday about the coronavirus pandemic, a Gunners supporter decided to make the most of the opportunity to even ask the president about whether or not Partey would seal a move to the Emirates Stadium in the coming months.

An Arsenal fan, in a light-hearted manner, wrote: "Mr president, will Thomas Partey sign for Arsenal?"

This question certainly brought a reaction from a couple of Gunners supporters, who were quick to respond with a couple of sarcastic comments on Reddit.

One wrote: "Our fans are different gravy." Another replied: "Asking the right questions, clearly."

Partey prefers Arsenal over PSG

Thomas Partey would favour a move to Arsenal amid Paris St-Germain's interest.

That's according to GHANAsoccernet.com.

The report states that PSG are keen to use their financial muscle to ruin the player's potential dream to Arsenal. But Partey is said to be unwilling to move to France after telling close friends he would love to sign for the Premier League giants.

Furthermore, it's reported that Partey has indicated to his advisors in "clear" terms he wants to join Arsenal in this summer.

Atletico star 'desperate' for Arsenal move

According to Football Ghana, Thomas Partey is desperate to join Arsenal this summer.

The midfielder is reportedly considering a move to the Gunners only, despite reported interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

He believes Arsenal is the best club for him to continue his career.

Fans told to expect Partey transfer

According to Ghanaian sports journalist Ekow Amoasi, Partey does indeed want to complete a transfer to Arsenal this summer.

He said: "As per a close source to Thomas Partey, the player wants to play for Arsenal. Expect Partey to play in Arsenal next season, expect him to be in England, I can assure you of that.

"Partey wants to play for Arsenal, he wants to be in England. Last week, I've been told that [Michael] Essien has got in touch with him and I wouldn't be surprised because close sources tell me that Partey wants to play in England and especially Arsenal."

Contract stance

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague 'confirmed' the £44.5million release clause that had been mooted on his YouTube channel.

And he also handed Arsenal a boost by outlining the player's stance on signing a new contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Balague said: "Atletico Madrid would like him to sign another contract, but he's not signing another contract, that's as much as I can tell you."

Partey ready to 'engage' with Arsenal

According to African football journalist Lassana Camara, Thomas Partey is ready to 'engage' with Arsenal over a summer move.

Camara posted a tweet on Thursday, confirming that the Atletico Madrid midfielder is seemingly open to a switch to north London.

Personal terms NOT agreed

Partey has not agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

This is in relation to reports which claimed the 25-year-old had reached an agreement with the Gunners, thus paving way for negotiations between the two clubs.

However, a source close to the player has told GhanaWeb that while negotiations between the two parties are ongoing, no agreement has been reached.

Worryingly for the Gunners, the report also states that Partey is interested in a move to England but a contract extension at Atletico Madrid cannot be ruled out.

£44.5m transfer gamble

ESPN claim Arsenal are willing to take a £44.5m hit to sign Partey this summer.

Commenting on Mundo Deportivo's story about Partey, ESPN go into detail about the Gunners' plans.

"Although this is a transfer that might set them back around €50million, either in one go or in installments, Arsenal are willing to take that hit, as they know what he could add to their squad.

"It isn't going to be easy, but the biggest and best transfer decisions never are, and Arsenal and Mikel Arteta need to go full steam ahead as they look to rebuild their team in search of Premier League glories past."

Atletico Madrid's stance

In what can only be considered as great news for Arsenal, key people at Atletico Madrid have given up hope of keeping Partey.

That's according to the reliable @RuizAntonito.

The report also states that Partey's next destination will be the Premier League and Arsenal are best placed to seal a deal.

Atletico open to swap deal

According to a report by Gol Digital in Spain, Atletico Madrid are contemplating the idea of scrapping the €50million valuation on midfield enforcer Partey in an attempt to possibly lure Arsenal into a like-for-like swap deal.

The Ghana international is one of the Gunners' main targets ahead of the next transfer window opening for business, with Arteta desperate to strengthen his midfield options.

But with financial resources likely to be in short supply because of the coronavirus pandemic, Arsenal may be denied the opportunity to land the 27-year-old.

However, according to the latest report, Atletico boss Diego Simeone is a big fan of Gunners midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and would be open to the idea of a swap deal.

Guendouzi has been closely linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks and a move to Atletico in exchange for Partey could be a deal that suits all parties.

Interest intensified

According to The Athletic, Arsenal's interest in Partey has "intensified".

Partey remains a long-term transfer target for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners, but they are unwilling to pay his £43million release clause as it stands.

Atletico contract offer

Atletico are keen to keep the midfielder at the Wanda Metropolitano.

And they have offered him a new contract doubling his wages.

And that would, in turn, increase his release clause to around £87.2milllion.

Partey ready to seal Gunners switch

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter has revealed that Partey is ready to leave the La Liga giants and seal a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking on a bet365 video, Hunter, who is renowned for his knowledge of transfer activity involving Spanish clubs, Hunter said: "They [Arsenal] need to add quality.

"If I was to look around that squad, immediately I would buy Luka Jovic from Real Madrid, I would buy Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, and Partey is ready to come to Arsenal."

Atletico find ideal replacement

According to a report by 90 Min, via the Express, Atletico Madrid are ready to let Partey seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium as they believe fellow midfielder Marcos Llorente is good enough to act as his replacement.

The Gunners are desperate to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season and Partey is the man that Arteta wants to add steel to his midfield options.

Now that Atletico have accepted that they have a ready-made replacement for Partety, they may be more willing to let him seal a move to the Premier League without a fuss.

'Green light' given to seal move

According to Goal, Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao has been tracking Thomas Partey for a number of years and wants to get the deal done.

And now, Edu and Mikel Arteta have also signed it off, with appetite on all sides to complete the transfer.

The midfielder's arrival is considered a major part of Arteta's summer rebuild at Arsenal.

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Gunners pushing for agreement with Atletico

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are pushing for an agreement with Atletico to seal the signing of Partey.

A question was put to Romano by an Arsenal fan after the former issued an update on Chelsea's pursuit of Kai Havertz.

He was asked if Arsenal had yet reached an agreement to seal a deal to land the midfielder.

Romano said in response: "Arsenal trying, yes. Agreement or something similar at the moment, no."

Partey to sign new Atletico Madrid contract

According to GhanaSoccernet.com, Partey is on the verge of signing a new contract at Atletico Madrid.

The La Liga side have reportedly offered the Ghanaian new terms that would see him double his current £65,000-a-week wages and also increase his release clause to £87.2 million.

The 27-year-old is thought to have a £43million release clause in his current contract.

Contract questioned

According to Goal, a Madrid based source who has close links to Thomas Partey’s agent and Atletico Madrid have not been able to confirm the contract extension story published a few days ago.

It had been claimed that Partey was on the verge of putting pen-to-paper on a new deal at the Wanda Metropolitano.

But a new contract may not be as close as first thought.

Sanllehi to demand lower fee

According to the AFCBell, Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi will lead negotiations for the signing of Partey, with his priority to reduce the fee demanded by Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal may also offer a player plus money deal if required, with Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi both touted as potential players who could be used.

It is also claimed that Atletico are expecting Arsenal's opening offer imminently.

Injury

Thomas Partey is a doubt for Atletico Madrid’s upcoming Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig after picking up a muscle injury.

Partey suffered the strain in Atletico's last La Liga clash against Real Sociedad and now faces a race against time to be fit for the European tie.

Atletico are still reportedly in talks with the midfielder, in an attempt to renew his contract as Arsenal remain contenders to sign the Ghanaian international.

£18m plan

According to ESPN FC, if Arsenal miss out on Partey, the Gunners will look to seal a deal for Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira.

The 28-year-old is thought to have a release clause of around £54million, but it is claimed Porto could be willing to sell the midfielder for around a third of that price in order to meet UEFA’s financial fair play requirements.

The Portugal midfielder has two-years left on his contract with Porto.

Arteta ‘very confident’ on Arsenal transfer plans

Arteta is ‘very confident’ over Stan Kroenke and Arsenal’s transfer plans as the club looks to return to the elite of English football.

Arsenal are set to record their worst top-flight finish since 1995 and while the FA Cup final against Chelsea offers some hope of salvaging pride and qualifying for Europe, it is clear there needs to be activity this summer.

"I have to say that I am very confident with the way that the owners and board are approaching this crucial time for us," Arteta explained, as highlighted by football.london.

Atletico Madrid stand firm

Atletico Madrid are determined that Partey will only leave the club should his release clause be paid in full by Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.

The Spanish club are desperate for the midfielder to sign a new deal with them, which will see his time extended at the Wanda Metropolitano by an extra two years.

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The potential lack of European football at the Emirates Stadium next season means that Mikel Arteta may have a limited budget to work with this summer, with Arsenal exploring ways of potentially getting Partey in a cut-price deal.

However, according to journalist David Vinuesa Malbac the club have made a decision that they will only sell should the player's release clause of around £45 million be met.

It is reported that Arsenal have been told that they either pay the money or walk away from the deal.

Arsenal's £20m alternative

Should Arsenal be unsuccessful in their efforts to sign Partey from Atletico Madrid this summer, the club will turn to Portuguese international Pereira instead.

The Porto midfield enforcer is a similar kind of player to Ghana international Partey, in that can break-up play, protect the back-four and keep things ticking in the engine room.

And should Arsenal's hopes of signing Partey not come to fruition, they could launch a move for Periera, 28, instead.

According to a report by ESPN, Porto would be willing to let the midfielder go if they were to receive an offer of around £20million.

Edu's message

Arsenal are still offering €25million (£22.8m) plus one player for Partey.

That's according to @FabrizioRomano and @MatteMoretto.

It's claimed that Atletico will not sell Partey for less than his €50m release clause, but Arsenal transfer chiefs have informed the La Liga side that they don’t want to pay the whole clause.

As a result, there is no agreement between the two clubs - especially as Atleti boss Diego Simeone is keen to keep the midfielder.

Alternative plan

According AS Roma Live, Arsenal are eyeing Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara as an alternative target to Thomas Partey.

The Gunners' first two bids for the Ghana international were rejected, and it is expected that Arsenal will have to stump up the full asking price if they are to land the Atleti midfielder.

But with their financial position uncertain, reports have now claimed that Arsenal want Diawara as an alternative, with an initial offer of €25million (£22.5million) being planned.





Another alternative target

Arsenal are ready to turn to Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure as another alternative to Partey, according to the Mirror (via the Express).

The report says that Mikel Arteta is now on the lookout for different options away from Partey, and that Doucoure has emerged as one of them.

However, it is also claimed that the Gunners would need to sell before they are able to put an offer in for the relegated Hornets' man, and they also face competition from fellow Premier League side Everton.

The Toffees are said to have had two offers rejected for the midfielder last summer, with the highest reaching up to £40 million, although relegation may mean that the player will now be available at a cheaper price.

Atletico Madrid ultimatum

According to Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid have made it clear that Arsenal must pay Thomas Partey's release clause of €50million (£45.5m), or the midfielder will not be going anywhere.

Arsenal have reportedly already had two bids rejected by Atletico, with a swap deal mooted.

The player offered by the Gunners is thought to be Matteo Guendouzi.

Torreira twist

Gunners midfielder Lucas Torreira could play a key role in Arsenal's chances of landing Partey this summer, a report by Mundo Deportivo in Spain claims.

It is reported that Atletico are interested in signing the Uruguayan this summer in an attempt to bolster their midfield options.

Though Partey has not been mentioned in the report, the Gunners may look to use Atletico's interest in Torreira to possibly strike a deal for the Ghana international, whether it be a cash-plus-player deal or a like for like swap.

Three players offered

Three Arsenal players have been mentioned as potential makeweights in deal during talks between the two clubs, according to reports in Spain.

Arsenal are determined to land their number one target this summer, but Atletico are insisting that the midfielder will only be sold should his €50million release clause be met.

(Image: Getty Images)

According to Spanish journalist Kike Marin, Hector Bellerin, Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira have all come up in talks between Arsenal and Atletico as the Gunners continue to try and get the Spanish side to lower their asking price.

However, it is claimed that Atletico are still demanding that the player's release clause is paid should a deal be done, which could prove to be a big stumbling block for Arsenal this summer.

Partey's wage demands

According to The Athletic, Atletico midfielder Thomas Partey has made it clear to Arsenal that he requires a weekly salary of £200,000-a-week to join the club.

The £10.4million annual deal would make the Ghana international among the club's highest earners.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the verge of sealing a new deal at the Emirates on around £250,000-a-week, whilst Mesut Ozil is thought to earn around £350,000-a-week.

Juventus enter race

Arsenal could now face competition for Partey's signature from Juventus.

That is according to Gazetta dello Sport, who say that the Italian champions, now led by Andrea Pirlo, could make a move this summer and beat Arsenal to the punch.

Partey is seen as a perfect midfield signing, particularly given Blaise Matuidi's exit and Juventus could hijack Arsenal's move for the Atletico Madrid man who would be interested in a move to the Allianz Stadium.

Partey told to reject move

Partey has been told to reject a move to Arsenal this summer.

The Ghanaian is one of Mikel Arteta's top priorities in the summer transfer window, and rumours have been rife for weeks that he will make the move to the Emirates.

But Partey has been told not to join the Gunners, bu his national team coach CK Akonnor.

He told Star FM as reported by CitiSports: "Honestly, I wouldn’t want him to move to Arsenal because with Atletico, he will always play Champions League football. 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 the Gunners]."

Party's public offer tweets

Atletico Madrid are insistent that Thomas Partey will only leave should his £45 million release clause be met.

But a post on Twitter by the player’s public relations officer, Samuel Zigah, has some fans wondering if it is a hint to his client’s future.

His tweet prompted a big reaction from Arsenal fans on social media.

Read here.

Atletico make Partey promise

According to a report by HITC Sport, Atletico Madrid have told Partey that they will meet his wage demands next year if he agrees to stay in Spain, in turn rejecting a summer move to the Emirates Stadium.

It was reported all the way back in April by The Guardian that the La Liga giants had offered to double the midfielder's wages if he agreed to stay at the club.

Now, despite the financial crisis that has been caused by the coronavirus issues, Atletico still believe they can give Partey what he wants, but not until next year.

It now remains to been seen whether or not the midfielder is willing to wait, or will he push for a move elsewhere this summer.

Simeone fearful of Partey exit

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is worried that he could lose midfield enforcer Partey this summer if a club makes the decision to meet his €45million release clause, according to ESPN.

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Partey is very highly-regarded by the La Liga club and they are desperate to retain his services.

But with Atletico having been hit incredibly hard in a financial sense because of the coronavirus pandemic, they may have to take a loss on Partey this summer and let him go, with the club in desperate need of money.

But Simeone is only worried if a club matches his release clause, but for that to happen Arsenal would first need to cut their cloth.

Atletico Madrid's promise

According to The Guardian back in April, Atletico Madrid had offered to double Thomas Partey’s wages in order to fend off interest from Arsenal.

The midfielder still hasn't penned a new deal to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano and Arsenal are continuing in their efforts to sign the Ghanaian.

But Atletico are reportedly still holding out the £45million release clause in Partey's contract.

Arsenal reach Partey stalemate

Arsenal have reached a stalemate in their discussions over the prospect of signing Partey this summer.

That is according to Sky Sports journalist Matteo Moretto, who claims that Arsenal have made the decision not to pay the £45million release clause in the midfielder's contract.

As well as having to fork out a massive £45million fee, Arsenal would also have to shell out more than £200,000-a-week in wages on the Ghanaian.

Thus, Arsenal have made the decision to stall their talks with Atletico unless an alternative agreement can be met.

Arsenal 'withdraw' from making a bid

Tuesday’s edition of Sport - via Sport Witness - once again reiterates Atlético’s firm stance on the asking price.

However, they also claim that Arsenal have ‘withdrawn’ from making a bid for Partey because they have no intention of paying the €50m release clause.

Spokesperson issues update

The spokesperson of Atletico Madrid star Partey, Samuel Zigah, has delivered a damaging blow to Arsenal's hopes of landing the midfielder this summer.

He made the claim during an interview on Football 360, and said: “He can only leave Atletico Madrid when he's not needed."

(Image: 2020 DeFodi Images)

Ghana boss issues warning

Ghana manager Charles Akonnor has warned Partey not to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, insisting it would be a too risky move because of the lack of Champions League football.

“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.”

Inter Milan enter race to sign midfielder

Italian giants Inter Milan have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Partey from Atletico Madrid this summer, a report by Gazzetta dello sport in Italy claims.

Antonio Conte - the Inter boss - is very keen on signing the Ghana international and sees him as the ideal replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, as Bayern Munich continue to watch his development.

Partey keen to seal transfer

Atletico midfield star Partey remains keen on sealing a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, according to a report by Goal.

The Spanish giants do not want to lose the Ghana international before the window closes next month and trying to convince him to put pen to paper on a new deal.

However, the midfielder wants to seal a switch to Arsenal, despite the Gunners' only hope of landing him this summer resting on their ability to offload players.

Bellerin sale could fund Partey move

football.london understands that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Hector Bellerin from Arsenal.

The right-back is not agitating for a move away from the Emirates, but could be tempted by a new challenge.

Arsenal are thought to be open to a sale if any interested clubs can meet an asking price of around £35million.

If the Ligue 1 side agree a deal, the money could be used by Arsenal to fund Mikel Arteta's remaining targets.

It is understood that interest remains in Thomas Partey, with other reports claiming the Gunners are in discussions with Lyon over Houssem Aouar.

(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Shirt number theory

Arsenal completed their fourth big-name signing of the summer this week, landing Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes on a long-term deal.

The Brazilian, who has joined fellow countryman Willian in making the switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer, will significantly bolster Arteta's defensive options.

After completing his move to the club on Tuesday, Gabriel will now wear shirt No.6 in his maiden season at Arsenal. That move has led to one eagle-eyed Arsenal supporter coming up with a potential shirt number theory concerning Partey.

Nowadays, most centre-backs wear numbers four and five, but with Gabriel claiming six, it means Partey could land his favoured shirt number - five - if he was to join Arsenal. But that would, of course, rest on Sokratis, who is being linked with a move to Napoli, leaving the club this summer.

Atletico's transfer message

Arsenal have been told by Atletico Madrid that they will only be able to land Partey this summer if they match the value of his release clause.

That is according to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who insists that the La Liga giants will only let Partey go if his release clause value is met, which is believed to be around £45millon.

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Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Ghana international and remain keen to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal hold fresh talks and present new offer

Arsenal have once again held talks with Atletico Madrid about the prospect of signing Partey this summer.

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Ghana international and are desperate to lure him to the Emirates Stadium. But with funds tight for the Gunners this summer, they may have to try an alternative method to try and secure his signature.

And according to the Italian transfer expert Romano, as cited by the Daily Mirror, the Gunners have offered Atletico both Matteo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette in a bid to strengthen their midfield with Partey.

"For sure they spoke with Atletico Madrid," Romano told Lee Gunner on his YouTube channel.

"It was during the meeting they had for Thomas, the first time it was in July.

"They spoke about Matteo Guendouzi and they spoke also about Lacazette.

"But at the moment, Atletico Madrid was not going for Lacazette."

Partey's 'message' to Ozil

Thomas Partey's activity on social media has led to some Arsenal supporters to post tongue-in-cheek messages that he has dropped a hint over his intentions.

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil posted a picture on his Instagram account after the Gunners' 3-2 friendly defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.

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The German did not make a single appearance for the club after the season restarted in June, but Gunners boss Arteta has hinted that the playmaker will be given the chance to be reintegrated into the first team set-up.

And after taking to the field against Villa to get some much-needed minutes ahead of the new season, Ozil uploaded an image of himself in action - which Partey liked. Read here

Juventus make approach

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Juventus have also made an approach for Thomas Partey.

The report claims the Serie A side are the only other team aside from Arsenal who have made a concrete move to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder.

Partey is reportedly on a low salary compared to other important players and is still waiting for Atletico to make an improved contract offer. However it is claimed that the midfielder has no intention of forcing an exit from Atletico.