Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen for the club to sign Dani Ceballos and Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey for the start of next season, according to the Times.

Arteta has not hidden his desire to keep Ceballos on a permanent basis but with Real Madrid said to be holding out for €40m (£36m), it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck.

The finances to sign Partey are just as onerous with Atletico reportedly only prepared to let the Ghanaian leave if a club triggers his €50m (£45m) release clause.

An £81m outlay on two players in the current financial climate does seem highly unlikely, and it may be the case that players would have to be sold to fund the moves for the pair.

If Arteta does get his wish, though, the two players could form a formidable partnership in the middle of the park, which would no doubt improve the team.