Arsenal transfer round-up as Mikel Arteta weights up major midfield shake-up

Arsenal’s impressive transfer business has already borne fruit during the club’s winning start to the season.

New signings Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian, as well as returning Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos, have shone to help the Gunners win their first two games.

And while Mikel Arteta’s side have maintained their momentum after capping last season with an FA Cup triumph, the north Londoners are expected to be active during the final two weeks of the transfer window.

Arteta is keen to recruit a central midfielder with one or two out-of-favour players also tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium before the October 5 deadline.

With that in mind, here are the latest Arsenal transfer rumours…

Torreira to join Atletico after Herrera departure

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira will join Atletico Madrid once the Spanish club offload Hector Herrera, according to Mundo Deportivo and AS.

Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 and initially starred for Unai Emery’s side, but has found his opportunities limited under Arteta.

However, Atletico boss Diego Simeone is keen for the 24-year-old to challenge Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey in midfield.

The Uruguay international’s move to Atleti, which is believed to be a loan, is dependent on los Colchoneros finding a suitor for Herrera, who has failed to impress after joining from Porto last summer.

Partey more likely to join Arsenal

Arsenal stand a stronger chance of landing Thomas Partey than Houssem Aouar, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Speaking on the latest Ask Ornstein episode, he revealed that Partey seems more likely given his strengths as a defensive midfielder.

Partey and Aouar are Arsenal’s top two midfield targets but signing both could cost the club close to £100m, with the Frenchman valued at £54m and the Ghanaian’s contract reportedly containing a £45m release clause.

Partey, who came through Atletico’s youth academy, has been a regular under Simeone in recent years, while Aouar has emerged as an Arsenal target having impressed for Lyon during the Ligue 1 side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Nelson set for loan spell

In addition to providing an update on Partey and Aouar, David Ornstein claims Arsenal are willing to let winger Reiss Nelson leave on loan this season.

Nelson has played a bit-part role under Arteta with the 20-year-old failing to make either Premier League squad this season having come on as a late substitute in the Community Shield against Liverpool.

Nelson has previously benefited from being loaned out as he scored seven times during a productive stint with Hoffenheim in Germany during the 2018/19 season.

Speaking last week, Arteta spoke positively about Nelson’s development after being impressed by him in training.

“I think they all realise the competition we have in forward positions,” said Arteta.

“I’ve already spoken with Reiss about it and I really like the way he’s training.

“I think we both agree about how much he’s improved in the last few months and he’s going to carry on pushing himself and the rest of the team.

“He needs to be ready because in football, unfortunately, or fortunately, things don’t take three months to change, it can take three minutes and you have to be ready when that opportunity comes.”