Sources: Arsenal agree to sell Thomas Partey, with second midfield signing to come from all-star three-man list

Arsenal have given the greenlight to a Thomas Partey transfer, and TEAMtalk has learned the three-man list the Gunners’ second midfield addition is likely to come from.

Mikel Arteta’s side re-established themselves as a Premier League force when running Man City close last season. However, rather than be content to rest on their laurels, Arsenal are doubling down in a huge way in the transfer market.

Indeed, expensive moves for Jurrien Timber (£40.5m), Declan Rice (£105m) and Kai Havertz (£65m) are either already confirmed or partially agreed.

Rice is expected to take the place of Granit Xhaka who is in line to return to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. However, we understand there’ll both be a second exit and arrival in Arteta’s engine room.

Thomas Partey is by far the likeliest candidate to depart and the Ghana international is understood to have asked to leave the club.

Juventus were linked, though their desire to sign Partey crumbled after Adrien Rabiot performed a shock U-turn and penned fresh terms in Turin.

Instead, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has told TEAMtalk a move to Saudi Arabia is the likeliest outcome for Partey.

What’s more, the Gunners have effectively greenlit his exit, with Bailey declaring Arsenal are “trying to move him to Saudi Arabia”.

Partey out, one of Caicedo, Lavia, Fofana in?

Bailey explained: “I am told there is a very good chance that Arsenal are not quite done in the market just yet. The futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho will be key, Partey especially.

“They are trying to move him to Saudi Arabia, and if that happens, the chance of another midfield signing is strong.

“Declan Rice was always their first choice and they are delighted to get him over the line, but I am told they are looking for more.”

On the subject of who midfield signing No 2 will be, Bailey claimed three players are in Arsenal’s crosshairs.

“It will be fascinating to see where they go from here,” continued Bailey. “But they have been linked with a number of options including the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

“Chelsea are obviously favourites for Caicedo, while Southampton’s Lavia is a player they like.

“A third midfielder in their sights is Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana”.

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