Arsenal's 2am phone call 'changed everything' in the Thomas Partey deal.
Partey completed his £45million deal to Arsenal with just minutes to spare on transfer deadline day.
The deal looked as though it wouldn't happen with Arsenal failing to meet the midfielder's release clause for the majority of the window.
But according to Marca, a phone call at 2am on Sunday morning suddenly put a deal in motion.
The Spanish outlet claim Arsenal phone Partey's representatives early on Sunday morning, putting them and indeed Partey 'on the spot' before activating his release clause the next day.
Partey is said to have gone to sleep on Sunday night fully expecting his spell at Atletico Madrid to continue.
But overnight, his fate changed and Saturday's goalless draw with Villarreal proved to be his final game with Los Colchineros.
The lateness of the deal is said to have left Atletico Madrid furious, especially because they were not informed the release clause had been activated until 32 minutes before the deadline.
As is the case for all players in La Liga, the league handles all release clauses and once activated, aside from offering a new contract, there is little clubs can do to stop a player leaving.
That was the case for Partey who, once Arsenal had activated the clause, was free to join the Gunners.
He did and it's reported Partey's agent will pocket 10% commission from the £2.5million signing-on bonus included in the deal which is expected to see the midfielder earn £260,000 per week for four years.
