Mikel Arteta has responded to speculation that Arsenal could still move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey this summer.
The Ghanaian international has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates this summer, with the Gunners thought to be keen on strengthening their midfield options.
Partey has forged a reputation as one of Europe's top holding midfielders during his career at Atletico, and reports claim Arsenal are interested in signing the 27-year-old in a deal worth £50million.
Ahead of the Gunners' Premier League trip to Southampton, Arteta was asked about the possibility of still completing a deal for Partey.
The Arsenal head coach smiled and laughed, before responding with: "At the moment, just to predict what is going to happen in the transfer window is impossible.
"You can see one or two clubs doing these sorts of deals, but the rest if really, really quiet.
"As I told, we have to assess the financial situation and whether we have a very narrow gap or a bigger gap to do any deals.
"So I think we are going to have to wait another four to six weeks to see what we are able to do."
Reports in Spain have claimed that Atletico are resigned to Partey's departure and are already looking to identify potential replacements.
The Gunners' interest in the midfielder is reportedly an "open secret" with a lack of Champions League football not expected to affect the deal.
However, Partey's representatives previously dismissed a claim from the Atletico Madrid star's father that Arsenal are in talks over a summer swoop for the midfielder.
Speaking to Richmond Entsie on Ghana-based radio station Tru FM , his father Jacob said: "I called my son after hearing the rumours and he told me that the rumours are true.
"He told me they are holding talks between him and Arsenal. It all depends on the offer Atletico are demanding."
But JJSports, who represent Partey, have poured cold water on the claim. "It's totally untrue," said the firm.
