Arsenal are prepared to offload Thomas Partey in the January transfer window as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad.
The Gunners went top of the Premier League table on Saturday evening with a 1-0 win over Brentford.
Kai Havertz's 89th minute header was enough to snatch all three points at the Gtech Community Stadium. Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier in the day means Arsenal are now a point clear at the summit.
Arsenal are already looking at how to bolster their ranks in the winter as they search for a first Premier League title since 2004.
Advert
Per ESPN, Arteta is willing to allow Partey a move away if it means he can allocate funds elsewhere.
The 30-year-old featured 33 times in the league last season, although Declan Rice's arrival over the summer has impacted his game time.
He's struggled with fitness this season and will likely miss all of January playing for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal were prepared to let Partey depart following Rice's transfer but no suitable bid arrived. Juventus are said to be admirers and could make a move.
Back in March, Arteta praised Partey for bringing stability to the Arsenal midfield during a 4-0 win over Everton.
He said per Football-Ghana: "I think the team grew, especially with Thomas [Partey] because Jorginho wasn’t feeling good today.
"When he came on he gave us some presence and stability to the team and I think the second half was superb."
Arteta's dream midfield signing is Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz. Under Unai Emery, Luiz has been one of the best midfielders in the league and he's helped Villa to 4th place.
Speaking after Sunday's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Emery stressed he's keen to keep hold of Luiz despite interest from North London.
He told reporters: “He is a very important player but is also very happy here so of course we want to keep him."
Arsenal could choose to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto. They hold a long-standing interest in Neto, who could challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks.
It's a position Arsenal are light in due to Emile Smith Rowe's injury issues. Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson are the only two other options at Arteta's disposal.
They remain interested in a new striker, with Ivan Toney their preferred option.
Brentford forward Toney is serving a gambling ban but is edging closer to a return. The Bees are hellbent on keeping the 27-year-old until the summer.
Arsenal return to action against Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Topics: Arsenal, Thomas Partey, Ivan Toney, Premier League
Daniel Marland