LATEST TRANSFER UPDATE:Partey Arsenal transfer twist emerges as Juventus wait on Zakaria and Pogba

Arsenal could still sell Thomas Partey this summer with Juventus remaining in the hunt for his services despite Mikel Arteta's transfer plea. The 30-year-old had been strongly linked with an exit from Emirates Stadium in the early stages of the summer window mostly due to the Gunners' pursuit of Declan Rice who, if signed, would occupy Partey's position.

However, even with Rice brought to north London, Partey still had a prominent role with Arteta backing up his fresh Partey transfer claim by starting the duo in the Community Shield last Sunday. "Without a question of a doubt," Arteta said when asked if Partey was in his plans for the upcoming season during the USA pre-season tour. "Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure.

"Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all." Interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabia was prominent, however it soon dissipated following Arteta's strong verdict. football.london understands that a Saudi side had made an offer of personal terms to Partey.

The exact reasoning behind Arteta's decision is unknown, although transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed in July that Partey had returned from his break in very good shape with a strong mentality which left an impression on Arteta. Alongside this, Rice has thus far looked much more comfortable playing in an advanced midfield role which stresses the important of keeping Partey at the club, however a sale before September 1 may still be on the cards.

A fresh report from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has delivered the latest on a possible Partey transfer which includes several interesting factors, such as the future of former Chelsea loanee Denis Zakaria and the injury status of Paul Pogba, that hint Juventus are likely to make an official move.

Speaking to wettfreunde.net, he said: “Juventus talked to Partey and his agents a month ago and again in recent days once they understood that Frank Kessie went to Al-Ahli. Now Juventus want him but they will focus on Thomas if they sell Zakaria to Monaco and other young midfielders like Miretti.

“They understand that the timing of Pogba coming back may be a little while so they will only sign a new midfielder once they know how long it will take for Pogba to return. The player is not blocked from Juventus. They know they can get him if they want.”