Arsenal is expected to meet Atletico Madrid’s £45m asking price for Thomas Partey as the Gunners look to secure a Deadline Day deal for the midfielder.
Partey has been linked with Arsenal throughout the window and, although his £45m release clause has been an issue, the Gunners are hoping to free up wages and space in the squad before the window shuts at 11 pm.
Arteta said at the weekend Arsenal were doing what they can to finalize transfers ahead of the deadline – and was confident deals can be done – while Sky Sports News has confirmed that a Deadline Day move is on the cards.
“Now, it is our understanding that Arsenal is pushing once again for Thomas Partey. There is an expectation – not 100 percent – but there is an expectation that they will meet that £45m release clause,” part of the report read.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are battling to save the long-serving Gunnersaurus after it was reported the man behind the mascot had been released as part of cost-cutting measures.
With supporters eager to see new arrivals at the Emirates on Monday — transfer deadline day — a shock departure appears to have stolen the headlines.
Reports in British media said Jerry Quy, who has played the role of the dinosaur mascot since 1993, had been let go, with stadiums empty during the coronavirus crisis.
But the Athletic reported that the Arsenal mascot would return when fans were allowed back.
A GoFundMe page for Quy has been set up to raise funds.
A statement on the page read: “Gunnersaurus has been the Arsenal club mascot for 27 years. He’s a club icon and we cannot let him become extinct.
“Played by lifelong fan Jerry Quy, it would be a terrible shame to lose him. The mascot league is the only one we’ve consistently been on top of, let’s keep our all-time top scorer on top.”
The report of Gunnersaurus’ departure drew widespread condemnation on social media.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright tweeted: “Terrible news. Love you Jerry.”
Former England international and TV presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: “Shouldn’t be necessary, but it might be a good move and an act of kindness for the @Arsenal players and manager to club together and sort out this absurdity.”
FA Cup winners Arsenal announced in August they were planning to cut 55 jobs due to the damaging effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the club’s finances.
The Premier League club said their main sources of income had all been hit, including broadcast revenue, matchday takings, and commercial activity.
