Arsenal to exchange Guendouzi, Lacazette for Thomas Partey

English Premier League outfit, Arsenal, is trying to free up funds in order to buy Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and Lyon ace Houssem Aouar.

Arsenal have already discussed the option of signing Partey in exchange for Gunners duo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette.

The 27-year-old Ghana international is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's top transfer target this summer, and can leave his current club if his £44m release clause is triggered.

With the player himself said to be open to making the move, Gunners’ chiefs have offered Atletico the French pair in a potential swap deal - though the La Liga side are not keen on Lacazette in particular at this moment in time.

Guendouzi has been absent from the Gunners squad following ugly scenes involving Brighton striker Neal Maupay in their defeat at the Amex last season following the restart and has fallen out of favour with boss Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal player was accused of taunting his opponents over their wages.

He was also left out of the FA Cup holders' Community Shield victory against Liverpool on Saturday at Wembley.

Lyon sporting director Juninho has recently spoken out insisting that he isn't interested in a deal to swap Aouar for Guendouzi.

He said: “I get on very well with [Arsenal technical director] Edu, we spoke on the phone. Aouar is really appreciated by Mikel Arteta.

“Guendouzi was discussed during the call, he is a great player, but he is the wrong profile.

“We are not interested in that at all, we cut the conversation.”