ARSENAL have completed a dramatic deadline day deal to sign Thomas Partey for £45million.
A combative midfielder, such as Partey or Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, has been high on Mikel Arteta’s wish list throughout the transfer window.
But the Gunners’ chances of sealing a deal appeared remote after Aouar committed to his current club for another season.
Serious talk of Ghana international Partey finally arriving then broke on Monday afternoon, with the player reportedly remaining in Spain to complete a quickfire deal.
Arsenal have paid Atletico Madrid his £45million release clause, significantly shortening the time required for negotiations.
With the deal signed, Partey is expected to fly to Turkey to join his Ghana national team squad.
Atletico confirmed the deal after his transfer fee was received.
The Spanish club stated that the paperwork was completed at 10.28pm UK time, just over half an hour before the deadline.
And the deal comes just hours after the club were finally able to shift Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi off their loan bill.
Torreira heads in the opposite direction, joining Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan.
Arsenal confirmed in a statement: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Lucas well during his time with Atletico Madrid this season.”
French midfielder Guendouzi, an outcast after falling out with Arteta, has left for Hertha Berlin on a season-long loan.