Arsenal have offered Alexandre Lacazette, Lucas Torreira and Hector Bellerin as makeweights in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey, according to Spanish journalist Kike Marin.
The El Confidencial reporter says that the Ghanaian international is the Gunners number one target but they face a tough task to persuade Atletico into selling up with the La Liga side demanding that they trigger the player’s €50m (£45m) release clause:
Thomas sigue siendo el objetivo nº1 del @Arsenal de ahí que hayan sonado nombres como los de Bellerín, Lacazette o Torreira para entrar en la operación. Sin embargo, el Atlético de Madrid exige los € 50 M de su cláusula. Lo de William es fácil porque acaba contrato con Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/WQ2g3fmjpM
— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) August 9, 2020
Other reports in Spain have indicated that Atletico are indeed interested in Torreira, while Lacazette has been targeted by the Spanish club in the past.
However, it appears they are currently taking a hardline stance when it comes to Partey. Arsenal may have to offload some players to finance the deal for the Ghanaian and return later on in the transfer window when they have some funds.
The Gunners will have taken note of the fact, though, that the midfielder has still not signed a new contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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