Thomas Partey: Arsenal move would be 'surprising' says Balague
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has placed three stars on the transfer list in order to raise funds to trigger Thomas Partey's release clause. The Gunners are still optimistic they can secure a deal for the box-to-box midfielder, who remains keen on a move to north London having supporter Arsenal as a child.
Arsenal need to raise cash to trigger Thomas Partey's £45m release clause (Image: GETTY)
Arteta is well aware that he will have to raise funds himself if he is to land his man.
The Spaniard has already brought in Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes this summer and now he wants to bolster his options in midfield.
Dani Ceballos is set to return to the club for a second successive loan spell after impressing post-lockdown.
Thomas still remains a target and according to The Telegraph, Arteta is ready to raise cash through the sales of Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Mohamed Elneny.
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Guendouzi has already been offered around with Barcelona, Juventus and PSG already saying no.
There is interest from former boss Unai Emery though at Villarreal.
He was banished from the first-team picture by Arteta following a spat with Brighton's Neal Maupay last season.
His days at the club now look numbered despite talk of a second chance from Arteta ahead of the Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
Torreira's Arsenal career has dwindled following an impressive start under Emery.
Arsenal will have to pay £45m to sign Thomas Partey (Image: GETTY)
He has openly admitted he has missed Italy and remains a target for AC Milan and Fiorentina.
Meanwhile Elneny has impressed in pre-season, scoring against MK Dons and starring for Arsenal at Wembley against the Premier League champions.
He spent last season on loan at Besiktas and now there is interest from Torreira's former club Sampdoria.
All three players could leave the club this summer while Arsenal remain in with a shout of signing Partey.
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