Atletico Madrid have Thomas Partey transfer belief amid continued Arsenal interest
Arsenal want to sign a midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta addresses Houssem Aouar transfer rumours 1769458636ihARI1Pf
Atletico Madrid are convinced that Arsenal target Thomas Partey will still be at the club beyond Monday's transfer deadline, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Partey has been continuously linked with a move to the Emirates throughout the summer window. Arsenal have so far not been prepared to pay the 27-year-old's release clause of £45million.
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Arsenal are set to loan out Lucas Torreira to Atletico with the option to buy for £22m.
The Gunners reportedly wanted to include Torreira in a potential swap deal for Partey.
But Romano says Partey was never part of the negotiations for the Uruguay star and Atletico are sure they will keep hold of their midfielder.
"Thomas Partey has never been part of Torreira deal," Romano tweeted.
"Arsenal board and Arteta like the player so much, but Atletico Madrid always turned down any possible bid or negotiation.
"Release clause or nothing. They’re still convinced that Thomas will stay."
Arsenal's top target ahead of Monday's deadline is Lyon star Houssem Aouar.
Mikel Arteta was asked about the potential of signing the 22-year-old at his press conference on Friday.
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But he refused to comment on any particular players he was targeting.
Arteta said: "Well, I am very confident in what we are trying to do internally.
"[I am getting] clarity and support from everybody at the club to try and improve the team if we can.
"But most importantly as well, to get the right balance in the squad, for now and the way we want to evolve the squad in the future.
"We are all very much aligned but I'm afraid that I cannot give you any updates or news."
Reports claim Arsenal could send defender William Saliba out on loan again for this season.
And Arteta said the 18-year-old's lack of football last term means they are exploring the best way to develop him.
"Well as I explained, the difficult year that the player had and the plan that we had for him, for the transition year, we could not achieve," he added.
"We are looking at different options to try to have the best possible development for the player and to protect our intentions with William for the future.
"We want to both be aligned and make the best decision for now and for the future."
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