IT’S PARTEY TIME FOR GUNNERS SAYS CHIEF
THOMAS Partey will transform Arsenal into a genuine top-four side.
That’s the view of the Gunners’ director of football Edu who thinks the £45m signing from Atletico Madrid will be a massive hit in London.
The Ghana international has signed for four years on £230,000 a week. Edu thinks that is money well spent and boss Mikel Arteta can get the best out of the 27-year-old midfielder.
The Brazilian said: “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.”
Favour
It took months of talks to get the deal done and Arsenal sent Lucas Torreira the other way on loan as part of the deal.
The Uruguayan is expected to turn that into a permanent move at the end of the season after falling out of favour in north London.
Arteta can’t wait for Partey time at the Emirates.
He is expected to be pressed into action straight after the international break.
The boss said: “He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy.
“We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad.
“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.”