Arsenal tried to include two players in Thomas Partey deal

Arsenal have reportedly tried to tempt Atletico Madrid into letting go of Thomas Partey by offering the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette in return.

Partey is Mikel Arteta’s first choice for the midfield reinforcement this summer, but Atletico Madrid continue to hold out for his £44million release clause.

Los Colchoneros have made it clear the 27-year-old won’t be allowed to leave unless his release clause is met.

Arsenal re-signed Dani Ceballos on another season-long loan from Real Madrid yesterday. But, Arteta is keen to add at least one more midfielder before the deadline passes.

With Lucas Torreira and Matteo Gunedouzi out of the picture for the next season, the Spaniard is assessing various options.

Partey, who has long been Arsenal’s top target, reportedly favors a move to the Emirates. However, the ball is on the Gunners’ court, as they need to find an agreement with Atletico.

Unwilling to dish out £44m, the Londoners have offered the La Liga side the likes of Gunedouzi and Alexandre Lacazette in exchange for the Ghanaian star.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, talks between the clubs took place in July.

“For sure they [Arsenal] spoke with Atletico Madrid,” Romano told Lee Gunner on his YouTube channel.

“‘It was during the meeting they had for Thomas [Partey], the first time it was in July. They spoke about Matteo Guendouzi, and they spoke also about Lacazette.

“But at the moment, Atletico Madrid was (sic) not going for Lacazette.”

Diego Simeone is a long-term admirer of the French striker. With Diego Costa’s future at the Wanda Metropolitano hanging in the air, the Argentinean was said to be trying to bring in the former Lyon striker.

But, Simeone is also desperate to keep hold of Partey despite the extension talks between the parties coming a cropper.

The highly-rated midfielder is contracted to Madrid until 2023, and Atletico are in no rush of selling their prized asset this summer.