Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed his thoughts on the club splashing the big bucks to land Thomas Partey.
Ghana international Partey joined the Gunners on deadline day after they activated his £45m release clause at Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old arrives at the Emirates Stadium with a weight of expectation on his shoulders, having impressed with Atletico for several years.
And Xhaka, who will be a direct competitor for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, has given his thoughts on the signing.
“He played at the Emirates two years ago in the Europa League semi-final when we lost against them,” the Switzerland international told Sky Sports.
“He’s a great player if not then Arsenal don’t buy him it’s that simple.
“He has the quality to bring us one step forward he is very, very good in the duels, his passing is very good.
“He played in Atetico Madrid a different type of football so he can help the team and I am more than happy we have a player like him, and I am more than happy if we can play with each other and meet each other and start to learn each other a lot of things.”
After butting heads with many of the club’s fans, Xhaka appeared to be on his way out at Arsenal, especially after being stripped of the captaincy.
But following the arrival of Arteta last December, the Swiss admits that things have changed dramatically for him.
“Until this day the words he gave me was exactly what I wanted to hear and for me it was very important to show I will give everything for the club and the fans,” he went on.
“I’m sure we’re going to be back in the Champions League next season.”
