FOOTBALL: Arsenal Signs Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid after Meeting £45m Release Clause

Arsenal have signed Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day after meeting his £45m release clause.

Partey signed a long-term deal at the Emirates after he completed his medical and paperwork just before Monday’s 11pm deadline.

He will wear the No 18 shirt and will join up with his new team-mates next week after he returns from international duty with Ghana.

Partey has been a key player in Diego Simeone’s midfield since breaking into the first team from Atletico’s academy in 2015.

Mikel Arteta said: “We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad.

“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.”

“Dear Atletico supporters, today I only have words of gratitude for you,” Partey said in a farewell message on Instagram on Tuesday. “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.”

Partey becomes Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer, with the club having already signed Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea and defender Gabriel from Lille for £27m.