Arsenal Makes Splash to Sign Thomas Partey at Transfer Deadline

Thomas Partey with Atletico de Madrid last month. Photo by Pressinphoto/Shutterstock (10808133bz)

Just before the clock struck midnight and the wacky summer 2020 transfer window closed, Arsenal made a big move to sign Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal paid Partey’s $59 million release clause on Monday evening after agreeing to contract and personal terms with the experienced player. That gave them free rein to sign a new player which should be a solid addition to the team’s midfield.

Partey, who is 27 years old, spent the past five seasons as a regular for the Colchoneros, helping them reach the 2016 Champions League final and win the 2018 UEFA Europa League.

The Ghana vice-captain played in 132 total league matches with Atletico during his tenure there, scoring 12 goals and recording 7 assists. His impact was most strongly felt as a defensive end, anchoring the back of an Atletico midfield that consistently ranked as one of the top defensive sides in Spain.

Partey is expected to step into the same defensive midfield role with the Gunners, where he will try to become an improvement over Granit Xhaka.

The Ghanaian midfielder will now fly to Turkey to join his national team for their AFCON qualifiers before returning to London for training ahead of their match next weekend against Manchester City.

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