Arsenal star wants to join Atletico Madrid in Thomas Partey transfer swap

Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi would love to join Atletico Madrid as part of a swap deal for Thomas Partey, reports say. The Gunners have interest in the Ghana international, who has impressed during his time under Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital. However, though the midfielder is intrigued by the prospect of moving to north London, there’s obstacles to overcome.

Arsenal made a flying start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side were too strong for Fulham, cruising to a 3-0 victory with Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Magalhaes and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all on target.

Despite that victory, Arsenal know they need more if they’re to finish in the Premier League top four for the first time since Arsene Wenger’s exit.

And Partey has been in their sights throughout the summer, with the Ghana international shining under Simeone’s tutelage at Atletico in Spain.

Arsenal have tried to tempt Atletico into selling via a swap deal so far, being unable to afford Partey’s £45million release clause.

And the Daily Mail say that Guendouzi would love to move to the La Liga giants, with the Frenchman currently out in the cold over at the Emirates Stadium.

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However, Atletico have no interest in the 21-year-old at the current moment in time.

And that means that, though Partey would reportedly relish the chance to play under Arteta at the Emirates Stadium, they seem unlikely to brig the midfielder to the Premier League.

Arteta recently opened up on Guendouzi’s situation at the club and said: “Matteo has been training like any other player in the squad.

“It is a new season and we had some really positive conversations between both parties, now he’s back with the group, he is training really well.

“He went to France to play with the under-21s last week and played really well again, and he is here.”

On potential transfer business, he added: “I don’t know.

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“I am not going to discuss here what the things that happened internally. But a lot of the things they have been writing, I can tell you they are not true.”

Another player Arsenal have been tipped to sign is Houssem Aouar, who sparkled for Lyon last season as they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The France international has also attracted interest from Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester City as a result of his impressive performances in Ligue 1.

But, while Aouar is on Arsenal’s radar, Premier League commentator Ian Darke feels they should swoop for Partey instead.

“I think they need a little bit of steel in the middle of the pitch, so I think Partey would be a very good signing for Arsenal,” he told ESPN.

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“I know they’re very keen, but they can’t seem to get that deal done.

“They’ve got Ceballos back of course from Real Madrid, and he did well in the back end of last season, but in a more creative way.

“Both are good players, but I think of the two, I’d say Partey.”

Arsenal have signed three players so far this transfer window.

Pablo Mari joined on a permanent basis having joined on loan in January, while Willian and Gabriel have also signed on the dotted line. 

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source: express.co.uk