Arsenal transfer news: Dani Ceballos, Thomas Partey, Houssem Aouar, Hector Bellerin, Sokratis

All the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip

Dani Ceballos poses with the FA Cup (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are closing in a deal for Dani Ceballos.

The midfielder spent last season on loan with the Gunners with boss Mikel Arteta desperate to do a second deal to bring him back.

The Telegraph report they have indeed brokered an agreement that will see the Spaniard return to the Emirates on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

The suggestion is that Real Madrid have waived any loan fee in exchange for Arsenal paying all of Ceballos’ wages.

Meanwhile, the club are said to have given up hope on signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, with the 27-year-old’s €50m release clause considered “impossible”, according to Spanish publication AS.

Ceballos proved a hit in his first spell (Getty)

Partey had been Arsenal’s first-choice target in the position, with the club’s scouts having monitored the Ghana international for a protracted period. However, they’ve been left with no option but to turn to cheaper alternatives.

The Athletic claim that Arsenal have held talks with Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar, who is valued at around £50m by the Champions League semi-finalists.

The Gunners need to sell players in order to fund any incomings, though, with vice-captain Hector Bellerin subject to interest from PSG, who hope to capture the 25-year-old for a fee in the region of £30m.

Another who could leave is defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos with Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirming his club’s interest on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is attracting interest from across Europe, with Aston Villa and Villarreal competing for the Argentine’s signature. However, Arsenal are keen to hold onto the 28-year-old and are expected to offer him a new contract.

The £27m arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes is set to trigger outgoings in the centre of defence, with Rob Holding expected to join Newcastle on a season-long loan.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s three-year contract extension is expected to be announced in the near future, too.