Arsenal transfer round-up: Partey hunt suffers blow as Guendouzi demands exit

Arsenal picked up a big three points at the weekend, defeating West Ham United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s late goal after making hard work of their opponents.

The result makes it two wins from two in Mikel Arteta’s first full season in charge, though the he admitted his side were “a little bit lucky” at times during the win.

New signings Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes have featured in both games so far, and Arteta remains on the lookout for new additions before the transfer window closes on October 5.

We’ve got the latest on one deal which looks like being concluded before Arteta’s squad travels to Liverpool next Monday, and updates on two midfielders whose departure could help free up the funds the manager needs to strengthen key areas.

Goalkeeper completes medical ahead of Arsenal switch

Arsenal have acted fast in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper following the departure of Emi Martinez to Aston Villa.

Runar Alex Runarsson has emerged as the main target, and the Evening Standard reports that the Icelandic stopper has already completed a medical ahead of a switch from Dijon.

The 25-year-old joined the French club from Nordsjaelland in 2018, and has played five times for his country.

Runarsson was not in Dijon’s matchday squad for their weekend game, a 1-0 defeat at Strasbourg, and has not featured for Stephane Jobard’s team in Ligue 1 this season.

The keeper could reportedly cost Arsenal as little as £1.5m, significantly less than the sum paid for Villa to take Martinez to Villa Park, ensuring Arteta still has funds to spend elsewhere.

Gunners dealt blow in Partey swap hopes

Arsenal’s financial situation has ensured they need to sell in order to add further reinforcements, but there was hope from some quarters that a part-exchange deal might be able to solve one of their more pressing issues.

Arsenal have been keen on Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey throughout the summer, with the fee the only obstacle.

Partey has a release clause in the region of £45m, with Arsenal attempting to raise funds to meet the asking price, but reports in Spain over the last few days suggested Atletico’s interest in Arsenal man Lucas Torreira could help bring the fee down.

However, according to the Star, they are only interested in a loan move for the Uruguay international and have no desire to see him included in a part-exchange deal for Partey.

Torreira, who joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018, has made 63 league appearances for the Gunners has fallen out-of-favour under Arteta.

The return of Mohamed Elneny following a spell out on loan has pushed him further down the midfield pecking order, and he was not in the 18-man squad for Saturday’s victory over West Ham.

Guendouzi ‘hands in transfer request’ after continued Arsenal absence

Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi maintained his absence from the Arsenal squad, and reports in France suggest he has handed in a transfer request in an effort to secure a move away from north London.

The 21-year-old hasn’t played a single minute for the Gunners since their defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion back in June, and has not been involved on the pitch or among the substitutes for either of the club’s two league outings or their Community Shield victory over Liverpool.

According to L’Equipe, via Tribal Football, Guendouzi has put in the request amid interest from unspecified clubs in Spain, Italy and France.

The youngster has played more than 50 times in the Premier League, but hasn’t featured since a heated clash with Brighton striker Neal Maupay at the AMEX Stadium.