Mikel Arteta has refused to comment on speculation that Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Gunners are eyeing reinforcements to their central midfield options this summer, and Ghanaian international Partey has been heavily linked with a move to north London.
football.london understands the Atletico star has been on Arsenal’s radar for several seasons and their interest has not diminished this summer.
Partey has not taken a definitive decision on his future but has spoken to advisors, friends and team-mates about a possible switch to the Premier League, a move that would intrigue him after eight years with Atletico Madrid.
Ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Wolves, Arteta was asked about the possibility of signing Partey, but the Spaniard brushed off the question.
“I cannot talk about interest in players that aren’t ours," Arteta said, during his pre-match press conference.
It has been suggested that Arsenal could consider a swap deal with Atletico for Partey. Diego Simeone’s side have long admired Alexandre Lacazette, who would have joined them in the summer of 2017 but for a transfer ban imposed by FIFA on Los Rojiblancos.
When pushed on whether Arsenal are looking to be active in the summer window, Arteta admitted that the Gunners would have to wait and see before committing to any significant business.
“At the moment the uncertainty is still big," he added. "We have to be patient and see what happens.
"We’re seeing different things. Chelsea and Bayern have been aggressive but we can’t be a team that needs to sell in order to buy.”
