Gossip: Arsenal ‘in talks’ with Aouar; duo offered in Partey swap
Mikel Arteta has secured Ceballos’ return, but hasn’t given up on his top midfield targets…
LATE TO THE PARTEY
It looked as though Arsenal had given up on Thomas Partey. Mikel Arteta is looking to add some steel to his midfield, and is thought to be a big admirer of the Ghanaian. But Atletico Madrid’s unwillingness to allow Partey to leave for less than his £45million release clause was thought to have ended the Gunners’ pursuit.
But Goal have reported that Partey is still ‘keen’ to secure a move to Arsenal, while reports have emerged detailing a swap deal proposed to Atletico boss Diego Simeone.
The Argentinian is thought to be a big admirer of Matteo Guendouzi, who has been offered along with Alexandre Lacazette, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
“For sure they spoke with Atletico Madrid. They spoke about Matteo Guendouzi and they spoke also about Lacazette.”
AOUAR YOU SERIOUS?
Romano has been a busy boy, and is apparently very clued up on the goings on at Arsenal. He has previously stated that Arteta is “in love” with Houssem Aouar, and claims the Gunners are still interesting in adding the exciting young midfielder to their squad ahead of the new season.
Romano said: “They [Arsenal] are absolutely interested. Monitoring the situation. Nothing advanced. He’s a top player. They have spoken with his agent. Again – they need to sell. Nothing less than €60m. He’d be one of the best signings this window.”
CHELSEA ‘NOT DONE YET’
Chelsea confirmed the £70million signing of Kai Havertz on Friday, the Blues’ seventh summer signing. But Frank Lampard is ‘not done yet’.
Chelsea have already signed Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Xavier Mbuyamba, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva, the latter trio as free agents.
Sky Sports claim Lampard is still keen to add a goalkeeper to his squad, and name Edouard Mendy as the top target.
Football Insider meanwhile, suggest Chelsea could still make a bid for Declan Rice, with West Ham wanting £70million for the holding midfielder who could also be utilised in the centre of defence.
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