Arsenal identify Thomas Partey alternative?

Arsenal could shift their focus to signing Amadou Diawara from AS Roma as they have been unable to secure an agreement for Thomas Partey.

Partey has been identified as the club's number one target to strengthen the midfield, but Atletico Madrid have made it clear that he won't be sold unless the £45m release clause on his contract is triggered.

The north London giants are unlikely to afford the package, as things stand, and Corriere dello Sport claims that they could turn their attention to Diawara, formerly of Napoli.

It is added that the Guinea international will cost around £27m this summer, but the Gunners could purchase him without any transfer fee, should Lucas Torreira join the Giallorossi in a swap deal.

Torreira is desperate for a return to the Serie A this summer and he has already been linked with a number of high-profile clubs including AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Fiorentina have proposed to sign him on a season-long loan with the obligation to buy, but Roma could beat them to his services, suppose they agree to an exchange deal involving Diawara.