Arsenal beat deadline to sign Thomas Partey, Lucas Torreira goes to Atletico Madrid
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ByEurosport
Updated 06/10/2020 at 10:21 GMT
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid after the London club activated the midfielder’s €50 million release clause. The club had been linked with Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar but after that fell through Mikel Arteta appears turned his attentions to the Ghanaian 27-year-old.
Thomas Partey
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have signed Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid after activating the 27-year-old’s €50 million release clause.
Partey, capped 27 times by Ghana, completed his medical in Spain and will join up with his new team-mates after the international break.
The 27-year-old Ghana international has been at Atletico for a little over five seasons, and has been linked with a move to a host of European sides as an option to strengthen in midfield. However, Arsenal were the only side willing to match his release clause.
Arsenal confirmed the deal on their Twitter account shortly after the transfer window deadline.
"La Liga on Monday informed Atletico Madrid at 23:28 that representatives from Arsenal arrived at the footballing body's headquarters looking to meet Thomas Partey's release clause," read a statement on Aletico's website just before the midnight CET deadline.
"Thus, the player has unilaterally ended his work contract that he had signed with the club through to 30 June 2023."
Under La Liga rules all players must have a buyout clause in their contracts and any club wishing to activate it must deposit the full amount with the Spanish league, who release the player's registration before passing the fee onto the selling club.
“We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
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 left a message of thanks upon departure
"Dear Atletico supporters, today I only have words of gratitude for you," Partey said "Atletico has been my home for a few years now and this family will always be a part of me.
"I want to thank the club for the trust they gave me from the first day, but above all, I want to thank you, this wonderful fanbase that accepted me from the first moment and demonstrated me that, both in the good times and the bad times, it really never stops believing.
"Atletico Madrid is not just a club, it's a family. Thank you."
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has moved the other way on loan.
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