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Wednesday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: Thomas Partey, Pablo Mari, Hector Bellerin

By Andy Brent, Reporter | 02 September 2020

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Wednesday, September 2.

The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected last summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Wednesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey 'wants Arsenal move'

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey pictured in March 2020

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly open to a move to Arsenal amid persistent speculation linking him with a move to the Emirates.

The Gunners have been tipped to move for Partey for several months now, with his release clause at Atletico believed to be set at £44m, but Arsenal are severely cash-strapped in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be desperate to get a deal for Partey over the line, but the Gunners boss will reportedly have to do away with at least three players in order to raise the required funds.

However, there may now be an extra motivation for the Gunners to trim their wage bill, with Goal reporting that Partey is indeed keen on making the switch to North London.

Atletico have not been immune from the implications of the COVID-19 crisis, and the report claims that Partey is open to a departure after the La Liga outfit could not offer him a bumper new contract.

Partey has amassed 16 goals from 185 games at Atletico across all competitions, where he is under contract until 2023.

Arsenal to sell three players for Thomas Partey funds?

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey pictured in October 2019

Arsenal are reportedly hoping to ship out at least three players as they look to strike a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has supposedly identified the Ghana international as a priority target ahead of the new campaign, although Arsenal have been severely hit by the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, The Mirror reports that Arteta is desperate to get a deal for Partey over the line, and the Arsenal manager is looking to sell a number of players in order to raise the required funds.

The report claims that the out-of-favour Matteo Guendouzi is likely to move on during the summer transfer window, with Valencia tipped to move for the Frenchman.

Fellow outcast Mesut Ozil has reportedly been offered a £15m-a-year deal by Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, but the 31-year-old has reiterated his desire to see out the final year of his Arsenal contract.

Centre-back pairing Sokratis and Rob Holding could also be moved on after the Gunners announced the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille on a five-year deal.

Partey is understood to have a £45m release clause in his Atletico contract.

More transfer news from Arsenal:

Arsenal confirm Gabriel Magalhaes signing on "long-term contract"

Arsenal confirm the signing of 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes on a "long-term contract" from Lille. Read more.

Paris Saint-Germain make £25m bid for Arsenal's Hector Bellerin?
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly offer Arsenal £25m plus £5m in add-ons for right-back Hector Bellerin, who is under contract at the Emirates until 2023. Read more.