Arsenal managed to sign a new player in every area of the pitch this summer. Willian in attack, Thomas Partey in midfield, Gabriel Magalhaes in defence and Runar Alex Runarsson in goal completed a very solid window for Mikel Arteta in his first full season in charge.
Additions in outfield positions were expected after everything that happened last season. However, if there was one position Arsenal fans felt they were fully covered in, it was in goal.
Bernd Leno has been excellent for Arsenal since he signed for the club two years ago. Emiliano Martinez showed at the end of last season he is just as good as the German, if not better.
Arteta could promise regular game time to only one of his two goalkeepers, and chose Leno. That forced Martinez to look elsewhere and Aston Villa swooped to complete his signing last month.
That meant Arteta had to sign a back-up and Iceland international Runarsson was the chosen one.
The former Dijon man discussed his new side’s recent transfer activity and feels Arsenal, after the addition of Partey, have shown the world they are looking to bring back the glory days.
Arsenal’s statement to the world after signing Partey
Runarsson told Goal: “I was so excited because it shows everybody the ambition the club has. That we want to go back to compete for the Premier League and Champions League.
“We want to take part in all the major competitions – not just take part but win. To sign Thomas, it just shows the world what we are all about.”
Signing a player such as Partey from a Champions League club like Atletico Madrid was a massive statement by the Gunners on deadline day.
The Ghanaian is the type of player Arsenal have lacked for years, and Arteta was right to target him for his side. The Gunners’ outfield signings have started well and, if Partey can do the same, a top-four finish will be a serious possibility.
Arsenal are still a long way off the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. The league game against the Reds earlier this season showed the difference in quality between the sides. However, the Gunners are on the right path – and Partey will help them close that gap very soon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
