Armand Traore wants Arsenal to sign Thomas Partey, backs him to finally replace Vieira and Gilberto Silva

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Armand Traore has told Talksport that he’d love to see Arsenal sign Thomas Partey before the transfer window closes next month.

The former Gunners left-back believes the Atletico Madrid star could help the club finally replace Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva in the midfield ranks.

French enforcer Vieira was a class act at Arsenal for nine years and when Gilberto played alongside him, it made for a formidable shield for the back four.

Since two departed, Arsenal have struggled to replace them and Traore believes Ghana international Partey could finally end that discussion.

He told Talksport: “I would strengthen the central defence. I wouldn’t mind a guy like Partey, sitting in front of the defence, somebody a bit angry.

“He reminds me a bit of Gilberto Silva or Vieira, somebody who can go out there and have a go.

“I think Arteta is doing a great job and I can only see them doing well in the future.”

Traore spent five years at Arsenal but only managed 32 appearances having struggled with injuries during his time at the club.

He had loan spells with Portsmouth and Juventus before moving permanently to QPR in 2011.

He’s right to suggest Partey has a potential signing for Arsenal and it’s fair to say he’d be one of the signings of the summer for the Gunners.

The 27-year-old has been a superb player in the Atletico midfield and helped the club to the last eight of the Champions League last season.

Diego Simeone won’t want to lose him and will hold out for the £44.5 million (The Sun) release clause in his current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Capped 26 times by Ghana, Partey is the captain of the national team and Arsenal would dearly love him leading them into battle next season.