Arsenal fans spot what Mikel Arteta did amid talk of Houssem Aouar bid and Thomas Partey link

Arsenal fans have taken to social media and are speculating about manager Mikel Arteta's response to a transfer question.

Whilst the Gunners have bolstered their first-team squad with the signings of Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares, Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes as well as a loan deal for Dani Ceballos, they continue to be linked with reinforcements.

Particularly in central midfield.

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Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey is a player that the north London outfit have been tracking for months, with several bids reported to have been rejected for the Ghana international.

Meanwhile, Lyon's Houssem Aouar is another player linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium following his impressive displays for the French club in the Champions League last season.

And this week has marked significant developments regarding the club's pursuit of the latter.

Reports in France claim that a bid was being prepared, and highly respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, says the 22-year-old wants to seal a move to Arsenal this summer.

However, Arteta refused to comment on links to Aouar and Partey when asked about links to both players in his pre-West Ham United press conference on Friday afternoon.

"Sorry, unfortunately I cannot talk about players that are not at our club but I appreciate the question," he told reporters.

That response has garnered some chatter on social media as fans have spotted similar answers being used by former manager Arsene Wenger right before concluding a deal.

Take a look at what's been said on Twitter...

In a potential boost for Arsenal, Lyon are reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta, as the Ligue 1 side prepare for the possible departure of Aouar.

L'Equipe claim they ready to sign the 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Milan in 2019 after impressing at Flamengo.

But the Brazilian international has struggled for regular game time at the San Siro, and Lyon could hand him a lifeline, as they look to replace Aouar - and possibly Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Memphis Depay, who have also both been linked with exits.