Arsenal ‘unlikely’ to use Torreira in swap deal to sign Partey, Romano explains

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Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has spoken on the Here We Go podcast about Arsenal’s chances of signing Thomas Partey in a deal that would see Lucas Torreira join Atletico Madrid.

AS reported earlier today that the Uruguayan is close to sealing a move to the Spanish capital. Torreira’s departure was expected by many but his links to Atletico Madrid alerted a number of Arsenal fans for a different reason.

Arsenal’s priority transfer target this summer is reportedly Thomas Partey. Atleti aren’t willing to let him leave for anything below his £45 million release clause (Telegraph) but now they want Torreira, some Arsenal fans are hoping for a possible swap deal.

However, it looks as though that option isn’t even on the table. Romano addressed the issue in his podcast in which he claimed Atletico Madrid view the situation as completely different deals.

Asked whether a swap deal was likely, he said: “The answer, in this moment, is no because Atletico are convinced they are different players, not just tactical ways (but) about how important they are for their clubs. Torreira is out of Arsenal, he’s going to leave.

“Thomas Partey is one of the best midfielders for Simeone, so it’s a different situation. That’s why they say – if you want Thomas, you have to pay the release clause or nothing. (Arsenal]) need to sell Torreira.”

Getting Partey in exchange for Torreira and some money would have been brilliant business by the Gunners. However, Arsenal will now have to find a different avenue through which they can sign the Ghanaian this summer.

Torreira’s departure will bring in some much-needed funds for the Gunners, just like Emi Martinez’s sale did last week. The likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Matteo Guendouzi are also on the transfer list, according to multiple reports.

If the Gunners can sell both, their chances of signing someone like Partey will increase. The Ghanaian, if he joins, would be a brilliant addition to Mikel Arteta’s side but, with less than two weeks left in the window, they need to work things out quickly.