Arsenal have met Atletico Madrid’s £45m release clause for Thomas Partey as they look to secure a Deadline Day deal for the midfielder.
Partey has been linked with Arsenal throughout the window and although his £45m release clause has been an issue.
The Gunners have been attempting to free up wages and space in the squad before the window shuts at 11pm – with Matteo Guendouzi first out the door on Deadline Day, joining Hertha Berlin on loan.
Arteta said at the weekend Arsenal were doing what they can to finalise transfers ahead of the deadline – and was confident deals can be done – while Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has confirmed that a Deadline Day move is on the cards
“Look, throughout this whole transfer window we know that Arsenal have been after a midfielder,” he said on Monday. “The one that never went away was Thomas Partey.
“We know that Arsenal have been interested in him for the whole window, the issue was the release clause as Atletico will not negotiate with any club on the release clause, so if someone wants to sign him they must pay £45m.
“Now, it is our understanding that Arsenal are pushing once again for Thomas Partey. There is an expectation – not 100 per cent – but there is an expectation that they will meet that £45m release clause.
“All of the talk during the window was how they generate that money. Well today, they are looking to offload players to fund that move for Partey.
“Torriera [to Atletico] is only a loan. They would get some sort of loan fee for that, but more importantly they get his wages off the bill. Guendouzi is the same.
“The other one is Kolasinac. Leverkusen want to buy him and Arsenal want to sell him. We think it’s around £10m. Leverkusen can’t afford that fee with the wages, so they are looking into a loan with an obligation-to-buy option.