Transfer: Why Arteta has not sanctioned Xhaka, Partey’s departures

Arsenal are yet to sanction the exits of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, as they have not wrapped up the deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.

The Gunners have agreed a £105 million deal for Rice, but are still locked in talks over the structure of the payment.

Mikel Arteta wants to get the England midfielder first, before the futures of Xhaka and Partey are resolved.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, told CaughtOffside: “Thomas Partey has interest from Juventus and from Saudi clubs, but as of now, this is still nothing advanced.

“There has also been a verbal agreement for Granit Xhaka to join Bayer Leverkusen, which has been in place since May.

“It’s very advanced, but now it’s up to Arsenal, they will look to resolve final details of the Rice story and then decide on Xhaka & Partey.”