Granit Xhaka Hails Qualities Of £45m Arsenal Signing Thomas Partey

 

Granit Xhaka believes Arsenal's new £45million arrival Thomas Partey will add an extra dimension to their team - having witnessed his qualities first hand.

Partey played in both legs when Arsenal lost to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in 2018.

Playing in his usual central midfield position, he helped Atletico mount an outstanding rearguard action at the Emirates to claim a 1-1 first leg draw having played 80 minutes with 10 men following Sime Vrsaljko's red card.

Partey then slotted in for the suspended Vrsaljko at right-back in the return leg in Madrid, which Atletico won 1-0 to reach the final.

And though Xhaka knows Partey will offer him competition for midfield places in Mikel Arteta's team, he acknowledges he is a top class signing.

'He played at the Emirates two years ago in the Europa League semi-final when we lost against them,' Xhaka told Sky Sports.

'He is a great player. If not, then Arsenal don't buy him - so simple.

 

'He has the quality to bring us one step forward. He is very, very good in the duels, his passing is very good.

'He played in Atletico Madrid a different type of football so he can help the team and I am more than happy we have a player like him.

'I am more than happy if we can play with each other and meet each other and start to learn each other a lot of things.'

Partey, 27, completed his move to the Emirates on transfer deadline day after Arsenal activated his release clause.

Xhaka's Arsenal career looked over after being stripped of the captaincy last season but he has worked his way back into favour.

 

The Switzerland international added: 'Mikel explained to me how important I was to the team.

'Until this day the words he gave me was exactly what I wanted to hear and for me it was very important to show I will give everything for the club and the fans.

'I'm sure we're going back in the Champions League next season.'

Arteta named Partey on the bench for Arsenal's visit to Manchester City on Saturday evening.