Arsenal's player recruitment last summer went late into the transfer window with Thomas Partey joining the Gunners as a much-heralded signing.
Mikel Arteta was delighted to have brought in the sought-after Ghanaian international from Atletico Madrid believing the 27-year-old would add experience alongside skill to the Arsenal midfield.
Partey was equally excited to be joining the Gunners stating that he hoped to help Arsenal "back where [they] belong" among the leading teams in not only England but in Europa.
Alas for Partey and Arsenal the transfer has not quite gone to plan with the Gunners struggling throughout the league campaign and exiting the UEFA Europa League in dismal fashion to Villarreal at the semi-final stage.
Former England international Jamie Redknapp had some sympathy for Partey on his struggles to adapt to life in the Premier League.
"It’s been tough for him, he’s had injuries, he’s been in his first season in the Premier League and we have to give people time for the adjustment," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"Some just come to the league and thrive, others find it very difficult," he added.
Redknapp did have some words of praise for Partey though. "I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt because in some games, I’ve watched him and I thought I’d hate to play against him, he’s got all the attributes."
However, former Spurs captain added a damning caveat to his encouragement.
"There are other times when he gets into, what I would call right now, that Arsenal mode, where everything is easy."
All is not lost for Arsenal and Partey though, with Redknapp stating exactly what Partey needs to do next season to make a success of his and the Gunners 2021-22 campaign.
"I don’t want to see him like that, I want to see him with high energy and running games - and that’s what he needs to do next season.
"He needs to come into next season absolutely flying because his performances have been too up and down for my liking."
