‘Arsenal Want Thomas Partey & Have Held Houssem Aouar Talks’, Says David Ornstein

The reliable David Ornstein reveals Mikel Arteta wants to add Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar to his midfield…

Arsenal are still in for their priority target Thomas Partey and are engaged in talks regarding Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.

This would likely see Maitland-Niles stay & be 1st choice RWB, Soares back-up. Arsenal interest in Partey remains + discussions taking place over Aouar. Ceballos returning to London in coming days – hearing #RMFC will waive loan fee in exchange for #AFC paying full wage this time https://t.co/83xYC4KzFF

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2020

This comes in lieu of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain being engaged in talks regarding the potential sale of Hector Bellerin which would a go a long way in funding a potential move for the aforementioned duo.

PSG have reportedly made an initial offer of £30million, including add-ons, and the two clubs remain in dialogue which could result in an agreement being reached.

Ornstein reiterates that Mikel Arteta needs to shed his squad if he’s to add some of his key targets this summer which includes Partey and Aouar.

Partey as £44.5m release clause in his contract which makes his deal rather straightforward if the club activates it, and it seems talks continue regarding Aouar.

It was rumoured earlier this window that we made an offer of cash-plus-Matteo Guendouzi for the 22-year-old and that Arteta is a huge fan of Aouar, according to L’Equipe (via GFFN).

Edu and Lyon’s sporting director Paulinho are former international teammates and if a deal is to be done, those relationships are crucial.

It seems Arteta’s much-mentioned plan for the window looks to be coming to fruition and with Dani Ceballos also set to return for a second loan spell, the boss is intent on adding more creativity to our midfield.