ARSENAL are reportedly discussing a move for Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume amid concerns Thomas Partey may not extend his contract with the London club.
The Gunners are negotiating a new deal with Partey, 32, with the Ghanaian’s current terms set to expire next week.
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According to The Athletic, the two parties are yet to find an agreement and Partey is beginning to entertain offers from elsewhere.
The midfielder is understood to be keen on remaining in London, but Arsenal are preparing potential alternatives in case Partey doesn’t pen a new deal at the Emirates.
The Atheltic report that one name that is under discussion is 23-year-old Lucien Agoume.
Agoume, a French youth international, made a splash in La Liga last season as he helped keep Sevilla afloat in the midst of a relegation battle – making 35 appearances, scoring once and providing three assists.
The defensive-minded rising star came through the ranks at Sochaux’s academy, which has produced the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Marcus Thuram, before signing for Inter Milan in 2019.
His time with Inter didn’t go to plan, seeing him sent out on a number of loan moves to develop his game before ultimately being snapped up by Sevilla on a permanent deal last summer.
Agoume has been likened to former Chelsea and Leicester superstar N’Golo Kante by those that have been watching him, with fans excited at the prospect of what he could bring to Arsenal.
One fan wrote: “He’s never going to be a lone No.6, but in a double pivot he could be the next N’Golo Kante”.
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While another added: “I am liking all I read about Lucien Agoume, and if he anything like N’Golo Kante I will be delighted if we get him.”
Arsenal are already bringing in midfield reinforcements this summer after agreeing a deal to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Zubimendi, 26, is set to finalise his switch to the Emirates in July due to Sociedad’s request to delay the deal until next month for financial reasons.
It’s thought Arsenal will pay slightly more than Zubimendi’s £51m release clause in order to split the cost over multiple instalments.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also appears set to complete a £5m move to North London as Arsenal look to bring in a new backup option for number one shot-stopper David Raya.
The Gunners’ top brass, including new transfer chief Andrea Berta, remain focused on bringing in a centre-forward during the window too.
SunSport revealed last week that talks over a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko have stalled over the Slovenian’s wage demands, while Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres remains a second choice.
While it’s also been claimed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal failed to sign in January, is still admired and could return to the frame should they fail to land one of Sesko or Gyokeres.
