Arsenal are keen on Partey and Upamecano

If we know one thing about Arsenal’s transfer window plans it’s that anything can happen. Last summer, Raul and Edu surprised fans with the signing of £72 million rated Nicolas Pepe from Lille, whilst spending a further £69 million on the likes of Martinelli, Saliba, Luiz and Tierney.

This time around though, Arsenal face the uncertainty that the Covid-19 stoppage brings, whilst also the possibility of not securing a European spot for next season. Both of these issues are likely to have huge financial implications for Mikel Arteta and in turn will limit the type of players he can target.

However, if reports in the media from recent weeks are anything to go by, it appears that Arsenal are setting their sights on big additions such as Dayot Upamecano and Thomas Partey. Speaking in a podcast, Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail suggests that there “could be legs” in a story surround potential Lacazette and Partey swap deal: “Arsenal and Arteta have an interest in Thomas Partey, he’s definitely a player that they like. A Thomas Partey and Lacazette swap as outrageous as it sounds, I do see a credence. It may have legs.”

He then adds: “I think Arteta and Arsenal are in the market for a centre half. I think one that Arsenal would definitely like to do is RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. Everyone from manager to board to recruitment staff are on board to get this over the line.”

Whilst Mikel Arteta has previously explained the financial implications Arsenal could face, they would clearly be happy to get these deals over the line to strengthen an ever declining Arsenal side.