Arsenal signed Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day after meeting his £45m release clause.
The midfielder signed a long-term deal at the Emirates after he completed his medical and paperwork just before Monday’s 11 pm deadline. The deal looked to be off after rumors circulated that the gunners were having financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, with Arsenal sanctioning moves for Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira to Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, they were able to activate the Ghanaian’s contract close of 45m.
In recent weeks, Arsenal also moved for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar but after their offer was rejected, they turned their attention back to the Atletico midfielder.
The 27-year-old began his professional career at Spanish club Atlético Madrid in 2013, going on loan to Mallorca and Almería, and returned to Atlético in 2015, with whom he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018.
Partey becomes Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer, with the club having already signed high profile Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea and defender Gabriel from Lille for £27m.
The Gunners also agreed on permanent deals for defenders Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari, who had been on loan at the club, and extended the loan deal for Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid for a second year.
Goalkeeper Alex Runarsson was the club’s sixth signing, joining from Ligue 1 club Dijon on a four-year deal.
Lucas Torreira has joined Atletico Madrid in a deal that brought Partey to Arsenal.