Arsenal transfer blow as Atletico offer Thomas Partey to Liverpool in Oxlade-Chamberlain swap deal
ATLETICO MADRID want to swap Thomas Partey for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Partey is keen on a move to the Premier League and has been heavily linked with Arsenal.
ARSENAL NEWS LIVE: Follow for the latest Gunners news
The Gunners have made the defensive midfielder a top summer target but Atletico doubt they can afford his £45million buyout clause.
The Spanish giants are resigned to losing the Ghana international, 26, and are eyeing a straight swap for the Liverpool star Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Ox made 13 league starts before football shutdown having recovered from a devastating knee injury but Liverpool are unlikely to be open to offers.
The ex-Arsenal man, 26, has three years left on his Anfield contract and is still considered a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
While Partey is open to joining Arsenal, there are concerns they can no longer afford him.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Boss Mikel Arteta had him on a list of targets before football was suspended but the impact of Covid-19 may put him out of reach.
Atletico are willing to double Partey’s £65,000-a-week wages but are one of many clubs across Europe looking at swap deals in a transfer market hit by the coronavirus.
Elsewhere, Arsene Wenger said Arsenal left their soul at Highbury after moving to the Emirates.