Arsenal complete deadline day swoop for Thomas Partey

Arsenal completed the signing of Thomas Partey on transfer deadline, after triggering the Ghanaian international’s £45.3 million release clause.

The 27-year-old central midfielder made 35 league appearances for Diego Simeone’s side last season, scoring three goals on route to a third-place finish in La Liga.

Since joining Atletico from Odometah FC in 2011, Partey played 188 times for the Spanish outfit.

Arsenal and Uruguay defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira joined Atletico on a season-long loan, replacing Partey at the Metropolitano Stadium on deadline day.

Partey will join Arsenal’s first team squad following the international break

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that the Gunners had been interested in signing Partey since he arrived in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium.

“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,” Arteta said. “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.

“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.”

Technical director Edu added: “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.

“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.”

Partey will join Arsenal’s first team squad following the international break.