Here are the Arsenal morning headlines for Friday, July 31.
Atletico Madrid issue gives Arsenal boost in race for Partey
Atletico Madrid are reportedly unable to afford a new deal for Arsenal transfer target Thomas Partey this summer.
The 27-year-old has been subject to close interest from the Gunners and his current club won’t be able to tie him down to an extended contract, according to Goal.
Arsenal are believed to already have had an offer turned down for the defensive midfielder, who is the club’s number one transfer target this summer.
However, reports stating that Atletico won’t be able to afford a new deal for the Ghana international suggests the door could be open for Arsenal to swoop in and get in their man.
Martinez pays credit to Arteta’s eye for detail
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez believes Mikel Arteta’s incredible attention to detail has made him a better player at the Emirates Stadium.
Martinez has taken his opportunity with both hands since an injury to Bernd Leno in June, and the Argentine appears to be giving Arteta exactly what he demands from his shot-stopper.
Building play from the back has been a key focus for the Arsenal head coach and the goalkeeper explained how his attention to detail has helped his development.
"Sometimes [the coaches will] give the ball back to me on my right and I’ll control it with my right foot and [Arteta] will say 'no, go quick and control with your left'," Martinez said.
"I asked why and when I started doing it I realised that I’ve got more time.
"If you see the goal when Musti [Shkodran Mustafi] gave me the ball, before maybe I would have controlled it with my right foot but then I controlled with my left and I’ve got more time.
"He has given everyone a bit more time and a bit more structure to have more time. Everyone is finding that we are more comfortable on the pitch and when you’re comfortable you can play with confidence."
Gunners in the race to sign highly-rated free agent
Arsenal are reportedly in the race to sign highly-rated defender Malang Sarr, who is a free agent after choosing to run down his contract with Nice.
The Ligue 1 club had made an effort to sign the 21-year-old to a new deal but his aspirations to play elsewhere means he looks set to leave for pastures new.
According to Informafutbol, Arteta’s side are leading the race to sign the defender alongside La Liga club Real Betis who are also believed to be heavily interested in the 21-year-old.
For Arsenal, signing defensive reinforcements could be an important element of the transfer window and Sarr offers a more affordable option given that he is a free agent.
