In one of the biggest deadline day moves, Arsenal have completed the signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £45m.
Atletico released a statement shortly before the 11pm BST transfer confirming the Gunners have all but signed the midfielder.
With buyout clauses in Spain paid directly to La Liga and then forwarded on to the relevant players’ club, there was no need for Arsenal to inform Atletico of their intent to sign Partey.
A statement from Atleti read: “LaLiga informed Atlético de Madrid at 11.28pm on Monday that Arsenal representatives have paid Thomas Partey’s release clause at the sports association’s headquarters.
“The player has therefore unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which ran until June 30, 2023.”
Arsenal had been linked to Partey for some time, with negotiations with Atleti proving difficult for the London club.
The Gunners now have their man and it is indeed a marquee signing for Mikel Arteta.
Los Rojiblancos also announced the arrival of Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal on Monday night. Diego Simeone will hope that the Uruguayan can help fill the void left by Partey’s departure.
Both sides appear to have gotten what they wanted. For the Arsenal fans, it brings a climaxing end to the transfer window.
Welcome to the Partey! 🥳
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 5, 2020
👋 @Thomaspartey22#NoThomasNoPartey pic.twitter.com/009Er2kZBK
