Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has revealed that the club has been watching new signing, Thomas Partey for a long time before signing him.
This is following the deadline day arrival of the Ghanian international. Gunners went for him on the deadline day after meeting his buyout clause.
Speaking with the club’s website, the Spaniard expressed delight at getting the midfielder, adding that he has a lot he can bring into the squad.
“We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high-quality player to our squad. He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy.
“He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.
“We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club,” he said.
Also speaking on the transfer, Arsenal Technical director Edu, said the club already knows the Ghanian international, having studied his game for a long time.
“Thomas has all the right attributes to be a top player for Arsenal. He is a leader on and off the pitch and he is exactly the kind of player and person we want at the club. We already feel like we know Thomas very well based on the work we have done analyzing his performances closely in recent times.
“With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad. We’ve made a strong start to the season and we want to continue to build on this with Thomas now part of our club.”
What can Partey bring to Arsenal
Partey is now an Arsenal player after signing a long-term contract with the club.
The 27-year-old midfielder made 188 apperances with Atletico he had been with since 2012.
For the past two years, he has become an important player for Diego Simeone due to his huge abiulity to play the defensive midfield role and join the attack.
He is also a short and a long pass merchant, who can also hit shots from long distance.
During his stint at the Wanda Metropolitano, he won he won both the Europa League and Super Cup in 2018, and was a Champions League runner-up in 2016.
He made 46 appearances for Los Rojiblancos last season, playing a key role in their third-place finish in La Liga and their last eight finish in the Champions League.
Partey had also been on loan in Spain with RCD Mallorca (2013/14) and UD Almeria (2014/15).
On the international stage, has made 29 international appearances for Ghana.
He has been given the jersey No 18 shirt and will join up with his new team-mates next week after he returns from international duty with Ghana.
