Advertisement Comment Metro Sport ReporterThursday 30 Jul 2020 11:31 amShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link2kShares Arsenal looking at Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca as alternative to Thomas Partey Roca has impressed this season again despite Espanyol’s relegation (Picture: Getty Images)‘First of all the players we already have here, if there is anything extra to help them more and give them a better environment, and then, if we go into the market and we have to do things, to decide which ones to do and how quickly we can do them.‘We are completely ready for that, and I also have a really good understanding with [technical director] Edu. We have been working together very closely to put together a plan that we are convinced can be successful.’MORE: Atletico Madrid reject Arsenal’s £22.8m bid plus Matteo Guendouzi for Thomas ParteyMORE: Mesut Ozil’s agent speaks out on Arsenal future and reveals likely leaving dateFollow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.For more stories like this, check our sport page.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a fine season and Arsenal aren’t the only club interested (Picture: Getty)Arsenal are looking at Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca as they consider alternatives to Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey, according to reports in Spain.The Gunners are eager to reinforce their midfield during the summer transfer window, though Atleti are playing hardball over a deal for Partey with an opening offer of £23million plus Matteo Guendouzi rejected.Arsenal have a tight budget this summer due to the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis and that has seen them begin looking at cheaper alternatives to Partey. Advertisement Partey is Arsenal’s top midfield target but he will cost £45m in cash (Picture: Getty)The Gunners have already been linked with Porto’s Danilo Pereira and now Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims Arsenal are also interested in Espanyol defensive midfielder Roca.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTWhile the 23-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign individually, his team finished bottom of La Liga and have been relegated to the second division of Spanish football.Roca is virtually certain to be sold as a result, with Espanyol holding out for €20million (£18m) – less than half what Atletico are demanding for Partey – though the Spaniard could well be available for even less than that.More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing ArsenalBut Roca’s fine displays mean there is plenty of competition for his signature, with Atletico themselves interested along with Sevilla, Villarreal and AC Milan.Arteta has made no secret of his desire to bring in several new faces this summer, telling Sky Sports earlier this month: ‘I am encouraged that we are on the same page, and that we are going to try to do our best to evolve the team.