Mikel Arteta drops Partey and Aouar Arsenal transfer hint when asked about Jorginho

Arsenal have been linked with moves for both Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear the club are still working on deal for new players before the transfer window closes on October 5 with both Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar linked, but he refused to speak about links to Jorginho. The Gunners got most of their business done early in the summer with both Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian impressing since making their debuts.

But signing a midfielder remains a top priority for the Gunners with just over a week left of the transfer window

Partey has been a long-term target for Arsenal with the Atletico Madrid star having a £45million release clause.

Aouar has also emerged as someone Arsenal may look at signing, with Lyon asking for over £50m.

Both players play different roles in the middle of the park but it's clear either of them could help improve Arsenal's midfield options.

Thomas Partey is linked with joining Arsenal (Image: GETTY)

And Arteta admits the Arsenal board are still working behind the scenes to try and bring new players in.

"We are still open to improve our team, we are looking for different options depending on what happens with some of our players here so we are getting prepared just in case we need to do something," he said.

When pressed further to comment on what he likes about Jorginho, Arteta was more reserved.

"Sorry, but I cannot talk about players that play for a different team," he added.

"[Discussing] their qualities is not appropriate from my side."

Aouar was surprisingly left out of Lyon's squad for their recent match against Nimes Olympique, further adding to speculation that he's set to leave.

But Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas doubts whether clubs, including Arsenal, could afford their asking price before the end of the transfer window.

"Financially, Arsenal are like everyone else [in a tricky spot amid the coronavirus pandemic]," he said.

"And Houssem could say to himself that the best thing would be to stay with us."

Lucas Torreira is strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates with reports suggesting Atletico are close to agreeing a deal.

But Arteta suggested a move away for the Uruguayan isn't close just yet.

"No, we don’t have any updates on Lucas or any other player at the moment," he said.