Thomas Partey’s jersey number revealed as Mikel Arteta comments on his arrival

The Thomas Partey saga has finally come to an end after many months of speculations as to whether he would indeed make a move to Arsenal in this summer transfer window. The gunners decided to conclude the deal on the last day and they’ve been successful and Mikel Arteta has also now commented on the signing of the 27 year old.

Arsenal has announced that their new signing Thomas Partey will wear the jersey number 18 and some gooners have obviously been disappointed as they were hoping that he would be given the no.5 shirt but it was however already worn by Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Thomas Partey was impressive for Atletico Madrid last season as they finished third in the Spanish LA Liga and as well as getting to the UEFA Champions League quarter finals and so it was no surprise that Arteta would be interested in having him.

It has been claimed that Partey was Mikel Arteta’s main summer transfer target since the saga begun and today his wish has been granted as the Ghanaian international is now a gunner. Arteta claims that they are happy to have signed Partey after having watched him for some time and he believes that the 27 year old is a dynamic midfielder that will bring the well needed experience to his side.

“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.” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal Media.

“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.”