The Gunners appear to be closer to securing the signing of a midfielder who could significantly bolster Mikel Arteta’s options as the club considers its plans for the summer transfer window.

With Dani Ceballos set to return to his parent club Real Madrid after the expiration of his loan deal at the Emirates stadium, Mikel Arteta now has the task of having to find another midfielder to fill that potential void.

According to a report which has been translated and relayed by Sport Witness (from Corriere dello Sport), the Gunners are leading the chase to secure the services of Atletico Madrid midfield destroyer Thomas Partey.

The report is claiming that Arsenal are one step away from signing the 26-year-old, with an offer of £43.4m already on the table.

Partey was a star performer for Atletico last month as the Spanish side managed to knock out holders Liverpool in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

The Ghana international will be viewed as an upgrade on Granit Xhaka, who lost his captaincy and nearly left the club in the middle of the season.

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