Arsenal learn of significant discount for star Arteta wants alongside Partey
Arsenal will save up to £18million on a potential swoop for Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca following their relegation from LaLiga, according to a report.
Previous reports have linked Spain international Roca with a move to The Emirates.
The 23-year-old was a mainstay in Espanyol’s fight against the drop, having featured in all but three league games. However, after only winning five matches, Barcelona confirmed their relegation last Wednesday.
As such, La Razon claims Espanyol are willing to cut Roca’s asking price from his €40million (£36million) release clause to between €20million (£18million) and €25million (£22.5million).
The source adds that Arsenal and Real Madrid will “undoubtedly” take the development into account, given the financial implications of the pandemic.
Indeed, Arsenal are reportedly showing most interest in Roca and the Gunners are “best positioned” – as it stands – to make a move.
Roca allegedly wants a new challenge in the Premier League and would welcome a move to Arsenal. In fact, La Razon claims he switched agents earlier this year in a bid to find an English suitor.
Midfield is an area Arsenal reportedly want to improve, with Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey reportedly a strong target.
And La Razon adds that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta “dreams” of pairing Partey alongside Roca. Arteta is even willing to pay Partey’s €50million (£45million) exit clause.
As for Madrid’s interest, the source says Los Blancos eye Roca as an alternative to Eduardo Camavinga.
Reports linked Camavinga with a move to the Spanish capital, but Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has ruled out that prospect.
ARTETA COY OVER OZIL’S FUTURE
Elsewhere, Arteta gave little away when pressed again on Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal.
The German midfielder only has one year left on his contract and has not played since the Premier League’s restart.
What’s more, the speculation over his future has mounted given he is the Gunners’ highest earner.