Mikel Arteta and Technical director Edu share thoughts on Thomas Partey signing
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Technical director Edu have shared thoughts on signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid after the Gunner activating the Ghanaian’s £45million release clause in deadline day.
Partey had been with Atletico since 2012, making 188 appearances, in which time he won both the Europa League and Super Cup in 2018, and was a Champions League runner-up in 2016.
Last season, the Ghana international made 46 appearances for Atletico, playing a key role in their third-placed finish in La Liga and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
During his career, Thomas has also enjoyed successful loan spells in Spain with RCD Mallorca (2013/14) and UD Almeria (2014/15), and has made 29 international appearances for Ghana.
Arteta who described Partey as a ‘dynamic midfielder’ said he is delighted to add the former Atletico Madrid ace to his Arsenal squad. He also reveals that he has kept a close eye on the Ghanaian for a while before making a move for Partey.
The Spaniard said he is looking forward to integrate Partey’s experience and intelligence to Arsenal’s they are building at the moment.
“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”, Arteta told Arsenal official site.
“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.”
While Arteta is very much aware and impressed with Partey’s experience and intelligence, technical director Edu embraced the leadership of the Ghanaian International.
“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”, Edu said.
“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.”
Thomas will wear the No 18 shirt and will join up with his new team-mates next week after he returns from international duty with Ghana.
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