Arsenal signing Thomas Partey could end long wait for Patrick Vieira replacement

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Arsenal are currently 10 games unbeaten under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta. The club are desperately trying to force their way into Europe next season and on current form, they can’t be written off.

It would seem that the recruitment team already has one eye on next season, however. It was reported yesterday that Arsenal are preparing to activate the £42 million release clause in the contract of Thomas Partey (Libertad Digital).

The Ghanian has been a standout performer for Atletico Madrid this season and was brilliant in last week’s 1-0 win over reigning champions Liverpool.

Partey has played 20 times in La Liga for Diego Simeone’s team and his statistics are pretty impressive. He has a pass success ratio of 83.9%, makes nearly three tackles a game and averages nearly 55 passes every single game (Who Scored).

It has been reported previously that Arteta is keen to add ball-playing midfielders to his team during the summer.

Partey would certainly fit that bill and his arrival could give Arsenal a defensive midfield presence which they have lacked since Patrick Vieira left many years ago.

Having a player with the physical skills that Partey boasts would allow Arteta’s flair players the freedom to express themselves more.

With Partey having a relatively low release clause, it seems likely that Arsenal won’t be the only team interested in securing his services.

He would, however, be the sort of proven signing that could excite the club’s supporters.

The 26-year-old has scored seven times in 20 games for Ghana and also has 148 appearances under his belt for Atletico Madrid.

It has been years since Arsenal had a bit of muscle in the middle of the park and Partey would not only add that but also the ball-playing attribute that Arteta is craving.