Arsenal's pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey may have received a boost after Diego Simeone reportedly contacted Gunners midfielder Lucas Torreira about a potential move to Spain. Uruguayan journalist Sebas Giovanelli claims the Atletico boss has told Torreira he wants to sign him.
Torreira, 24, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, with Serie A side Torino reportedly agreeing a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £22 million. However, Simeone's interest could see the Uruguayan used as a makeweight in a deal for Partey, who has a £45 million release clause.
Arsenal have so far been unwilling to activate the clause but may hope to negotiate a swap deal involving Torreira. The midfielder became an instant fan favourite after joining from Sampdoria in 2018 but fell out of favour under Unai Emery and has not been a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
Reports suggest Arteta sees Lyon's Houssem Aouar as his top target, but Premier League commentator Ian Darke believes Partey should be the priority. “I think they need a little bit of steel in the middle of the pitch, so I think Partey would be a very good signing for Arsenal,” Darke told ESPN FC.
Arsenal are attempting to raise funds for both deals, having already sold goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa for up to £20 million. Defenders Sead Kolasinac and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are also linked with moves away.
