ARSENAL have completed a dramatic deadline day deal to sign Thomas Partey for £45million.
A combative midfielder, such as Partey or Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, has been high on Mikel Arteta’s wish list throughout the transfer window.
Thomas Partey becomes Arsenal’s seventh major signing of the autumn windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the Gunners’ chances of sealing a deal appeared remote after Aouar committed to his current club for another season.
Serious talk of Ghana international Partey finally arriving then broke on Monday afternoon, with the player reportedly remaining in Spain to complete a quickfire deal.
Arsenal have paid Atletico Madrid his £45million release clause, significantly shortening the time required for negotiations.
Wth the deal signed, new No18 Partey is expected to fly to Turkey to join his Ghana national team squad.
Atletico confirmed the deal after his transfer fee was received.
The Spanish club stated that the paperwork was completed at 10.28pm UK time, just over half an hour before the deadline.
Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal website that he was thrilled to seal the transfer after months of monitoring the player.
He said: “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.
With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad.
Edu
“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.”
Technical director Edu added: “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 analysing 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.”
The deal comes just after the club were finally able to shift Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi off their loan bill.
Torreira heads in the opposite direction, joining Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan.
Partey showed his excitement for the move on Instagram
Arsenal confirmed in a statement: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Lucas well during his time with Atletico Madrid this season.”
French midfielder Guendouzi, an outcast after falling out with Arteta, has left for Hertha Berlin on a loan deal of his own.
Dani Ceballos, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have all stayed on at Emirates Stadium after signing last year, with Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and Runar Alex Runarsson all joining in a busy window.
Thomas Partey talks about his long journey to join Atletico Madrid
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
