Arsenal close to signing Serie A midfielder?

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing AS Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara in a straight-swap deal involving Lucas Torreira.

Torreira has been regularly linked with a return to the Serie A and Roma have now emerged as the leading candidates to sign him.

According to Il Romanista, the Uruguayan is open to the idea of joining the Giallorossi and he has already agreed to personal terms.

The Gunners are optimistic of doing the same with Diawara and a deal could go through without them paying a fee for the Guinea international.

The arrival of Diawara could end the club's pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, who has a £45m release clause on his contract.

To date, the Gunners have been reluctant to meet the buy-out clause and it appears that they may miss out on his signature, as things stand.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side are said to be close to finalising a deal worth £25m for Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.