Thomas Partey Thanks Arsenal Fans For Welcoming Him To The Club After £45m Move From Atletico Madrid

 

New Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey revealed his delight at the support he's received since joining the Premier League giants on deadline day.

The 27-year-old moved to the Gunners on Monday night in a £45million deal from Atletico Madrid as Mikel Arteta looks to boost his options in midfield ahead of the club's top-four challenge.

Partey is currently on international duty with Ghana so will have to wait before he links up with his new team-mates, but the midfielder took to Twitter to send a message to the Arsenal supporters ahead of his debut season in England.

The Ghanaian said: 'Hi guys, thanks so much for the love and for the message I have received. I can't wait to be part of you guys, I can't wait to join the team.

'It's a great feeling to be part of a family like this. Thanks so much to everyone for the love, I feel so grateful and I feel so amazed to be part of you. I can't wait to join you guys.

'And don't forget, no Thomas, No Partey!'

Partey was a regular member of Diego Simeone's side, making 188 appearances in all competitions for Atleti since his arrival at the Spanish side in 2015.

His move saw Gunners midfielder Lucas Torreira go in the opposite direction, though the Uruguayan's loan transfer to the Rojiblancos was in a separate deal.

Matteo Guedouzi was another midfield departure on deadline day, with the Frenchman moving to Hertha Berlin on loan.

Partey's Ghana take on Mali on Friday night before playing Qatar in a friendly on Monday evening, after which the new Arsenal midfielder will head to London to link up with Arteta and his Gunners side.

His Arsenal debut could come when the north Londoners travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on the following Saturday.

The Gunners were also linked with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, but a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman failed to materialise.