Arsenal: Thomas Partey sings his initiation song to the squad
Arsenal weren't the only Premier League team interested in signing Thomas Partey in the summer transfer window, according to a conversation the midfielder had with Emmanuel Adebayor. Mikel Arteta was keen to bolster his midfield options in the summer with Houssem Aouar seen as their No 1 target.
Aouar soon made it clear that he wanted to stay with the Ligue 1 side.
And Arsenal ended up switching their attention to long-term target Partey on the final day of the transfer window.
The Ghana international had a £45million release clause in his contract with Atletico, which Arsenal decided to activate with just hours remaining of the window.
And the 27-year-old has slotted straight into Arteta's starting line-up since moving to the Emirates.
Thomas Partey joined Arsenal on deadline day (Image: GETTY)
Despite Arsenal's poor results in the league since his arrival, Partey has earned high praise for adding some solidity to the midfield.
The Gunners were seemingly always favourites to sign Partey from Atletico, but Arsenal may well have Adebayor to thank for persuading him of a move to north London.
The former Arsenal striker recalls a conversation he had with Partey during the summer in which the latter spoke of interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea.
"He told me that some clubs in England namely Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others have shown interest in him and he needs advice,” Adebayor said at an event in Ghana over the weekend.
"I advised him to go to Arsenal because I have had the opportunity to play there and I think it will be good for his development.
"Arsenal is more than a club, it is a family and I’m impressed with his performances so far in the Premier League.”
Partey did pick up an injury in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa with Arteta confirming he would need to undergo a scan.
But it's recently been reported that Partey is confident that he will be back soon.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Thomas Partey attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
The Gunners return to action this weekend when they take on Leeds.
They then travel to Molde four days later where a win would seal their place in the Europa League knockout stages.
But Arteta will undoubtedly be watching the remaining international fixtures with the hope his players avoid injury.
Kieran Tierney is expected to feature once again for Scotland in their final Nations League group match against Israel where a win would guarantee their place in the 2022-23 Nations League A.