It looked doom and gloom at the start of the day for Arsenal. The Gunners had reportedly missed out on Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, and the chances of a new addition before the end of the window looked slim.
However, the mood has changed completely now. Mikel Arteta’s side have decided to take matters into their own hands by triggering Thomas Partey’s release clause before the end of the window. (Goal)
The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been linked with a move to the Emirates for over five months now. Diego Simeone’s side have stood firm throughout the window. They have been adamant that they will not sell Partey and they have stuck to their words.
The Gunners were left with no choice in the end. They either had to fork out £45 million in one go or give up on the chance of signing Partey in this window. The Gunners have decided to go with the former, and if things go as planned, the Ghanaian should be an Arsenal player soon. (Goal)
Partey would be a sensational addition to this Arsenal squad. He would bring in the steel in front of the defenders as well as the driving power from deep midfield into the opposition third. The Gunners lack both at the moment which makes the Atletico Madrid star a massive signing.
BBC pundit Micah Richards has had his say about Arsenal potentially signing Partey, and the former Manchester City star is surprised that the Gunners are the only side chasing him.
He told BBC: “Thomas Partey – what a signing. I cannot believe there are not more clubs lining up for him. He is so good. A lot of people just think about him defensively, but he has actually got quite a bit going forward.”
“He has scored goals for the national team and a few for Atletico Madrid as well. If Arsenal can get him it would be a massive deal for them. Arsenal are doing their business quietly but, if they are able to get Partey, it would be a massive statement.”
It certainly would be a humongous statement by Arsenal. If Partey does join them, the Gunners would have signed a defender, a midfielder and an attacker in this transfer window. A new number 10 would have made this the perfect summer, but even without that, Arteta should be delighted with his side’s recruitment.
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