Arsenal confirm Thomas Partey transfer after paying £45m release clause
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Thomas Partey after agreeing to pay his release clause at Atletico Madrid.
Thomas Partey transfer to Arsenal detailed by expert 1769458733Z1PvcUtA
Arsenal have announced a deal to sign Thomas Partey after agreeing to pay his £45million release clause. The Gunners entered the final week of the transfer window with Houssem Aouar as their top midfield target.
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But it quickly became clear that a deal would be out of reach for Arsenal with the 22-year-old declaring at the weekend that he wanted to stay at Lyon.
And the Gunners wasted no time in switching their attention to bringing in Partey from Atletico.
Arsenal had previously shown reluctance to meet Partey's £45m release clause.
However, progress was made on Monday after Arsenal made contact with the Ghana international's representatives.
Atletico were powerless once the release clause had been activated and he underwent his medical in Spain.
The La Liga side had been trying to extend Partey's contract in order to increase the value of his release clause.
But Partey will now head into international duty this week with Ghana before heading to London next week to meet up with his new team-mates.
And Arteta was delighted to have got a deal over the line to sign the 27-year-old.
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“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.
“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.”
Partey has been handed the No 18 shirt previously won by Nacho Monreal.
He becomes the club's fourth most expensive signing and takes Arsenal's overall summer spending close to £80m.
The midfielder will be in contention to make his debut against Manchester City on October 17.
