Mikel Arteta keeping quiet on Arsenal’s deals for Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey

Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped over Arsenal‘s pursuit of Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey, insisting there was still ‘nothing concrete’ on whether new faces would arrive before transfer deadline day.

Arsenal are in talks with Lyon over a move for promising playmaker Aouar but have so far fallen short of the French side’s asking price. They also retain an interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Partey as Arteta eyes reinforcements for the new season.

Lucas Torreira, meanwhile, is on the verge of moving to Atletico, while Sokratis, Matteo Guendouzi, Shkrodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac are all attracting interest from European clubs ahead of next week’s deadline.

Mikel Arteta was delighted to see his Arsenal side overcome Liverpool in the Carabao Cup

Arteta has remained tight-lipped on a potential move for Lyon’s Houssem Auoar (pictured)

But when quizzed on possible incomings and outcomings, Arteta said: ‘I will give you an update with any player the moment that we have an update to give. At the moment unfortunately there is nothing concrete for any player.’

On the chances of Aouar arriving, he added: ‘I am very confident with what we are trying to do internally. The clarity and support I’m finding from everybody at the club to try and improve the team as we can. 

‘But most importantly as well, to get the right balance in the squad for now and the way we want to evolve the squad in the future. So we are all very much aligned. I’m afraid I can’t give you any updates or news.’

Thomas Partey, pictured playing for Atletico on Wednesday, is also still on the club’s radar