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Atletico Madrid 'convinced' over Thomas Partey transfer after Arsenal make late move
Arsenal still want to sign Thomas Partey before today's transfer deadline.
Arsenal 'must sell players to sign Aouar or Partey' says pundit
Atletico Madrid are convinced Thomas Partey will stay at the club beyond today's transfer deadline, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Partey has been linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer window but the Gunners were not prepared to pay the £45million release clause in the Ghana international's contract. However, reports say the Gunners are now willing to activate that clause.
Arsenal are set to allow Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi to leave the club on loan to Atletico and Hertha Berlin respectively.
That would leave just four recognised central midfielders in the first-team squad, making room for Partey.
But Romano claims Atletico do not expect to lose Partey before the 11pm deadline.
The Italian journalist says the La Liga club are not willing to negotiate with the Gunners.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also wanted to sign Lyon star Houssem Aouar this summer but a deal for the Frenchman appears to be dead.
Arteta was asked about the potential of making new signings following Sunday's 2-1 Premier League win over Sheffield United.
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“Well I am confident we know exactly what we want to do, we are all trying our best to finalise the deals that we want, whether that is sending someone on loan or bringing someone in,” Arteta said.
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“We have a complete connection and cohesion between Edu and myself, the board and the ownership, so let’s see what happens in the next 36 hours.
“I cannot discuss the players that we want but we recognise certain positions that we believe we are short in.
“First of all in numbers and then adding different qualities to complement each other and this is what we are trying to do.
“I think that I always try to be really honest and clear.
“Believe me that the ownership, the board, myself, are doing everything we can to maximise the resources we have to improve the team and to sustain and keep the players that are in this club to make this club successful.
“I have 100 per cent backing from them. It's not just words, it's reality.
“Whoever knows me, if it wasn't like that I wouldn't say it but I say it because I feel it and it's true."
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