Arsenal are set to part company with Thomas Partey this summer and are ready to make a significant addition to their midfield department.
The Ghana international joined the Gunners in the summer of 2020 after his £50million Atletico Madrid release clause was activated.
Partey played a prominent role in helping Arsenal make significant strides under Mikel Arteta, but a series of injury issues saw his influence wane last season.
The 30-year-old did start Arsenal’s final four games of the season as they narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City, but Arsenal are now ready to cash-in, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Partey is said to be interesting clubs in Saudi Arabia, while a move to the Turkish Super League has also been mooted.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are certain to be in the market for a new centre midfielder, capable of playing in the No.6 role, which would free Declan Rice up to operate in a more advanced position.
Arsenal hold long-standing interest in Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, but with Unai Emery’s side having qualified for the Champions League they are under no pressure to sell.
Similarly, Newcastle are likely to want a fee in the region of £100million for Bruno Guimaraes, who appeared to wave goodbye to the Toon Army fans following last weekend’s game at Brentford.
Asked about Guimaraes’ gesture, Howe replied: ‘I don’t think it’s a wave goodbye. Bruno probably does that many times but it can be interpreted in a way that people watching decide that’s the case.
‘Certainly from my side, I hope it’s not. He is integral to what we’re doing and is an inspirational player, we’re desperate to keep him.’
Striker Alexander Isak has also been linked with a move, with Howe saying of the pair: ‘They’re two outstanding players.
‘I’ve said many times this season and they can make the difference and have made the difference at numerous times.
‘It’s always about the team and how the team functions. The team gives them a platform to play well and their involvement in the goals today was top class but you can’t forget their team-mates who helped them.’
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