Thomas Partey transfer signing proves Arsenal are title contenders, claims team-mates as £45m new boy is unveiled
ARSENAL signing Thomas Partey showed off his new colours for the first time – as team-mates claim his arrival shows the Gunners are title contenders.
The defensive midfielder arrived for £45million from Atletico Madrid on deadline day.
And the Ghana ace, 27, was snapped in his new Gunners kit for the first time since making the move to the Premier League.
Partey – who has been given the No18 shirt – will join up with his new team-mates after returning from international duty.
And fellow new boy Runar Alex Runarsson reckons Partey’s arrival signals the club’s intent both domestically and in Europe.
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The Icelandic keeper – who signed from Dijon for £1.6m – revealed his delight to hear the news of Partey’s last-minute deal before the transfer window slammed shut on October 5.
The 25-year-old told : “I was so excited because it shows everybody the ambition that the club has: that we want to go back to compete for the Premier League and Champions League.
“We want to take part in all the major competitions, and not just take part but win.
“To sign Thomas, it just shows the world what we are all about.”
Partey gave Gooners a glimpse of what he will bring to the team after laying on a brilliant long-ball assist for Ghana.
Partey will add extra steel to Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park after the Gunners activated his Atleti release clause.
Uruguayan Lucas Torreira moved in the other direction for £22m.
After Dani Ceballos returned from Real Madrid for a second loan spell in North London, Arteta will be far more satisfied with the resources at his disposal as he plots his side’s way up the table.
