Arsenal have made a fresh bid to land Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners' longstanding interest in signing the Ghana international looked to be heading towards an unsuccessful conclusion, with Atletico Madrid adamant the player would only be sold if his £45million release clause was met.
With a handful of fringe players on big wages still to be sold, Arsenal looked unlikely to be able to fund the move, despite first team manager Mikel Arteta's desire to bring in a dynamic holding midfielder.
But the imminent loan departures of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Gueudouzi to Atletico and Hertha Berlin respectively leaves a vacancy to be filled, with Partey seen as the perfect addition to the squad.
And football.london understands that a move to bring the 27-year-old to the Emirates is underway with a medical likely to take place in Madrid.
Speaking after Arsenal's 2-1 win over Sheffield United, Arteta had reiterated his confidence in the hierarchy's ability to complete the necessary deals.
“Believe me, the ownership and the board and doing everything they can to maximise the resources and make this club successful," he said.
"I have 100 per cent backing for them. Whatever we can do, they are willing to do it, to support us.
“Whatever we can add of course we will do it. But we have to be realistic. The people here are supportive.
“Whoever jumps in the boat will be welcome. But we all have a very clear direction and purpose to drive our goals.”
If Partey completes his switch to north London, Arteta would theoretically have a difficult decision to make in terms of his midfield.
Partey would surely start alongside one of Granit Xhaka or Dani Ceballos, with one to sit out whilst Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock would provide cover.
Arsenal's best back three would be David Luiz, summer signing Gabriel and Kieran Tierney, with Hector Bellerin and Bukayo Saka as wing-backs.
In attack, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plays off the left with Willian on the opposite flank, whilst Alexandre Lacazette plays as number nine.
Best Arsenal XI with signings: Leno; Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Bellerin, Partey, Ceballos, Saka; Willian, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
