Arsenal have finally signed Thomas Partey but he might be disappointed not to get his preferred shirt number.
The Ghana international has joined the Gunners after a three-month-long pursuit that saw the club pay the full release clause.
Atletico Madrid had insisted that he was not for sale and worked hard to get him to sign a new contract.
With his release clause standing at £52.5m, the La Liga outfit wanted to boost that total.
However, Partey was not impressed by their offer - firming up his stance on leaving.
But Arsenal left a deal as late as possible after confirming a transfer on social media past the deadline.
They agreed to fork out his buyout clause and have handed the 27-year-old a £220,000-a-week contract on a four-year deal, with an option for another season.
The transfer also includes a £2.5m signing-on fee and Partey's agent will receive a 10 per agent commission.
And he will be given the No. 18 shirt - with his preferred number being taken by Sokratis.
The fact that the Gunners tried to get rid of the Greek defender will further peeve the powerful midfielder, who will don the same shirt as the likes of Sebastian Squillaci, Mikael Silvestre and Pascal Cygan.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad.
"He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy.
"He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.
"We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game.
"He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.”
Arsenal have had a good transfer window under Mikel Arteta, who landed his main targets in an attacking winger, a defensive midfield and a centre-back.
Willian signed from Chelsea on a free transfer, Partey join late on and Gabriel made the move from Lille.
It has not been without its problems, though, with a deal for Houssem Aouar falling through.
The Gunners also failed to shift a large part of the squad, that is taking up a huge chunk of wages.
Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil all remain at the Emirates, though Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have left on loan.
