Arsenal closing in on deal for Thomas Partey

Arsenal look set to sign Ghanaian international midfielder Thomas Partey on loan from Atletico Madrid today, with the Gunners securing first option on a permanent transfer for the player next summer. After weeks of talks it appears that Partey will transfer to North London after a deal to sign Lyon man Houssem Aouar fell through.

The Gunners have reached a dramatic last gasp agreement with Atletico Madrid to sign Thomas Partey. Lucas Torreira, who will also move on loan to Atletico Madrid, will move the other way from Arsenal.

Arsenal had hoped to secure a deal to sign Houssem Aouar on Friday but Lyon enforced an evening deadline for the Gunners to reach a transfer agreement that slipped by. At the weekend, Aouar also announced his intentions to stay put in Lyonnais.

Partey has a 50 million euro release clause in his contract and the Gunners are confident that a permanent deal can be reached next summer that would see Torreira also make a move to Spain on a permanent basis.