Arsenal name Diawara as Partey alternative

Arsenal have reportedly made contacts with Roma for the highly-rated defensive midfielder Amadou Diawara, reports in England say.

Although Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey remains Arsenal’s top target for the upcoming transfer window, Diawara has emerged as a much cheaper back-up solution.

Los Colchoneros are adamant the Ghanaian will not depart the Spanish capital unless his £45million release clause is met, which is a figure the Gunners can’t afford at this point.

Therefore, Mikel Arteta has set his sights on the 23-year-old Guinea international, who impressed for Roma in 2019/20.

The former has been one of Paulo Fonseca’s favorites at the Stadio Olimpico, making 31 appearances across all competitions last season.

Known for his composure on the ball and aggressiveness in winning it back, Diawara would be a massive addition to Arsenal’s depleted squad.

According to football.london the Londoners have already initiated contacts with Roma to understand the feasibility of the deal.

The two sides have twice agreed on Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s loan over the past 12 months and could maintain a good working relationship through negotiating Diawara’s move to London.

Arteta is reportedly willing to offer Lucas Torreira as a makeweight in the deal, which may ultimately persuade the ‘Giallorossi’ to sanction the transfer.

Torreira has already made it clear he wants to return to Serie A, where he spent three years at Sampdoria, with AC Milan and Torino both taking an interest in the 24-year-old.