Buoyant Arsenal have received a last-gasp boost in their chase to land £45m Thomas Partey before the transfer deadline.
The Ghana international looked poised to stay with Atletico Madrid but it's understood the Gunners are pushing ahead in a bid to land a signing coup.
Mikel Arteta first identified the 27-year-old as his perfect midfield linchpin earlier this summer after being blown away by Partey in his side's Champions League triumph over Liverpool at Anfield.
But any potential deal appeared unlikely with Atletico insisting that their midfield enforcer wouldn't leave for a penny less than his significant buyout clause.
And now speculation has intensified further after Samuel Zigah, a media figure in Ghana who enjoys a close relationship with the player, tweeted a sand glass emoji.
The journalist affirms in his bio that he is the player's press officer and sent fans wild with his cryptic message.
Arsenal fans had hoped to also land Houssem Aouar from Lyon but have been buoyed in recent hours after a potential deal for Partey has been revived.
All players in Spain have a buyout clause included in their contract and Atleti have failed to agree a raise to the star's €50million (£45m) release fee.
Arteta's side appear capable of a much-improved season with no side in the Premier League up to speed with both Liverpool and Manchester United suffering humiliating defeats on Sunday.
Partey has emerged as a key man under Diego Simeone and has established himself as a regular with the La Liga big hitters over the past two seasons.
