‘A little strange’: John Barnes makes controversial claim about Arsenal summer signing

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John Barnes has labelled Arsenal’s decision to sign Thomas Partey this summer as ‘a little strange’ because he seemingly wasn’t needed given that he lacks creativity, as he told Premier League Preview.

The Liverpool legend was questioning how Arsenal are going to get the best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang and someone like Partey isn’t going to do that because he’s more of a ‘ball-winner’, not a creative player.

Well, from Mikel Arteta’s perspective, the hope is that Partey brings the best out of the players around him with his energy levels and ability to turn over possession, which then brings out more creativity from the more attack-minded players.

At this moment in time, that’s not happening in the final third for Arsenal and Barnes thinks Arsenal need to find a way to get the best out of Aubameyang,

“He’s not playing as a centre-forward,” said Barnes. “He’s playing coming in from left to right. When you are in-form, playing well and you have creativity, as Man City do because the wide players can come in because that’s the way they play.

“It’s a little strange bringing Partey in because he’s not a creative player, he’s a ball-winner. So, are they going to be more creative to get Aubameyang on the ball?

“He’s trying to find a way to get Aubameyang going. It’s going to be difficult for him.”

Barnes’ controversial comments won’t sit well with the Arsenal faithful because Partey’s signing wasn’t ‘strange’ but needed because that midfield needed some bite.

Added with that, as it has been proven by the reaction of the fans, the Ghana man has been on of their more popular signings in recent years.

What Arsenal needed to do was sign that naturally forward-thinking player alongside Partey and both would have elevated the team and complemented one another in the middle of the park.