Arsenal's links with Thomas Partey have been intensified after the midfield star was benched for Atletico Madrid's most recent match.
The Ghanaian started 29 games in La Liga last season but was only called on in the 71st minute by Atletico boss Diego Simeone in the 6-1 mauling of Granada on Sunday.
Thomas replaced Yannick Carrasco with the scoreline 3-0 and was booked soon after for a late challenge on Darwin Machis.
But the 27-year-old's efforts helped the Spanish giants score a further three goals in quick succession as Marcos Llorente struck and Luis Suarez grabbed a double on his debut.
Thomas has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer and his recent benching may mean he is nearing an exit from the Wanda Metropolitano.
But the Gunners have so far been unable to meet his £45million release clause and manager Mikel Arteta has been exploring ways of getting the deal over the line, with a player-plus-cash offer involving Lucas Torreira an option.
Arteta is set on improving his midfield before the 5 October transfer deadline and is also keen on Lyon star Houssem Aouar.
Should Arsenal prioritise trying to sign Thomas or Aouar ahead of the deadline next week? Have your say here.
The Frenchman was quizzed about his future after Lyon were held to a 1-1 draw by Lorient to leave them in the bottom half of Ligue 1 after a disappointing start to the season.
“6 points in 5 matches is not sufficient,” Aouar told Canal+ . "I don’t know why it’s like this. We need to improve versus compact teams.
“The transfer window isn’t disturbing the team at all. It is more on the pitch that we have to improve & not hide behind things like that.
“We had the ambition to get the three points. We came across a very compact block. As very often, it is difficult to find the loophole against this kind of team.
“This is what must be worked on and changed as quickly as possible. The start of the season is not up to what Lyon should do.”
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