Arsenal to take decision on Thomas Partey & Houssem Aouar as owners sanction one deal

Arsenal have decided they would prefer to sign Thomas Partey over Houssem Aouar, according to reports. The Gunners are desperate to add a central midfielder to their squad before the October 5 transfer deadline.

Atletico Madrid are not keen on letting Partey leave this summer but would be powerless to stop a transfer if his £45million release clause is triggered.

Lyon similarly do not want to let their star leave and have slapped a £50m price tag on his head.

Mikel Arteta is hopeful he can land both of his targets but knows it will be difficult given he must first raise funds.

Emiliano Martinez was sold to Aston Villa for £20m but there is still plenty more sales needed to be made.

If it comes down to a decision between Partey and Aouar then the Athletic claims there is a clear winner.

Arteta decision

Partey is Arteta’s preferred option because he is a more complete midfielder. His release clause will also make it easier than negotiating with Lyon for Aouar.

The Athletic adds that sources inside the Emirates Stadium suggest they may only land one blockbuster midfielder.

Owners interest

And owners KSE are happy to sanction the mega transfer as they have shown in the past that they are not of big-money deal.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos were unconvincing during Arsenal’s narrow 2-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.

Arteta confirmed after the match that he is keen to strengthen the midfielder over the next two weeks.

“I think they’ve been really good since I joined the club,” Arteta said.