Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he played a significant role in helping Thomas Partey decide on sealing a summer transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
After months and months of speculation and rumours, Arsenal struck a deal with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day last month, landing Partey in a £45million deal.
His arrival in north London ended Mikel Arteta's long-term search for a new central-midfielder, with Lyon ace Houssem Aouar having also been closely linked with a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Since joining the Gunners just over a month ago, Partey has so far racked up five appearances for the club, immediately adding a new dimension to the midfield, with his strength and aggression rarely going unnoticed.
His performances have earned praise and plaudits from no shortage of people, including Arteta, pundits and the Gunners' supporters.
Now, former Arsenal man Adebayor, who played for the club between 2006 and 2009, has revealed that he told him to join Arsenal, despite the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United having expressed an interest in acquiring his signature.
"He told me that some clubs in England namely Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others have shown interest in him and he needs advice,” said Adebayor.
"I advised him to go to Arsenal because I have had the opportunity to play there and I think it will be good for his development.
"Arsenal is more than a club, it is a family and I’m impressed with his performances so far in the Premier League.”
Since making his Premier League debut just a few weeks ago, Partey has been lavished with praise by big-name ex-Premier League players, including former Gunners ace Paul Merson.
Speaking to Sky Sports, following the Gunners' 1-0 triumph over Manchester United earlier this month, Merson said: "They beat a terribly, terribly poor Manchester United team on the day. They've done a job, we've seen them lose those games over the last five or six years.
"But I think Partey's a massive, massive difference. I mean, what a signing.
"When you talk about signings in the summer, he's got to be number one. I cannot believe, without being horrible here, that Arsenal got him. I don't mean that in a horrible way, they're all crying out for it - I know Manchester United are top-heavy and they've got Fred, [Scott] McTominay and [Nemanja] Matic, but they haven't got a Partey.
"Manchester City too, Fernandinho's coming towards the end, Rodri hasn't really pulled up any trees. You're thinking 'wow, who didn't see this?'
"When you're talking about holding midfield players and you want discipline, there's no better place for discipline than Atletico Madrid. They play the ultimate disciplined way."
Arsenal will be hoping to have Partey available for Sunday's trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United after he picked up an injury in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa prior to the international break.
