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Arsenal yet to explore Thomas Partey swap deal because of Alexandre Lacazette team-mate
Arsenal could use Alexandre Lacazette in a swap deal for Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey.
Arsenal target Thomas Partey trains with Atletico
Arsenal have yet to explore the viability of a swap deal for Thomas Partey. Emirates Stadium bosses will struggle to meet the Atletico Madrid ace's release clause worth €50million (£44.9m) so a player exchange has been mooted as an option.
Arsenal are looking to sign Partey to strengthen Mikel Arteta's midfield but have issues within their own squad to resolve before looking at incomings.
The Gunners will head into the summer transfer window with question marks over the futures of their two main men - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Aubameyang is about to enter the final year of his contract and concerns are emerging over the viability of an extension.
Arteta is eager to retain the Gabonese hotshot's services and will take part in talks to convince him to stay.
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If he fails to put pen to paper on a new deal then Arsenal face the prospect of losing their top scorer on a free transfer next summer.
Lacazette, who dropped out of the starting XI before the Premier League was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, wants assurances from Arteta over his future role.
He has another two years left on his contract so could be sold to raise funds for new players.
Atletico are interested in Lacazette, despite the permanent signing of Alvaro Morata from Chelsea being on the brink of completion.
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A swap deal between Lacazette and Partey has been mooted but ESPN claim that has not been explored because of Arsenal's failure to make a decision on the Frenchman while Aubameyang's future is uncertain.
Arsenal have been hit by the financial ramifications of the coronavirus crisis.
They are the only Premier League club to have agreed pay cuts rather than deferrals with the bulk of their first-team squad.
Arteta and co will have less money to spend in the upcoming transfer window so Aubameyang and Lacazette are eager to hear about the club's aims and vision.