Arsenal ready to drop interest in Houssem Aouar

Arsenal are determined to sign a new central midfielder before the international transfer window closes on October 5.

The north London side have made four signings during the current transfer window and they recently announced the arrival of goalkeeper Alex Runarrson from Dijon.

In recent weeks, the Gunners have been linked with the services of both Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar, but The Athletic claims that the club may realistically land only one of their targets.

It is added that Mikel Arteta's side are ready to drop their interest in Aouar such that they can push through the deal for Partey from Atletico Madrid before the transfer deadline.

The Ghana international currently has a £45m release clause on his contract with the Spanish giants and the Gunners are hopeful of landing his signature with Lucas Torreira moving in the opposite direction.

Atleti want to sign Torreira in a separate deal and the Gunners are currently negotiating the terms of the transfer. Diego Simeone's side want an initial loan, but the Gunners are eager to sell the Uruguayan permanently.