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Chris Sutton believes that the arrival of midfielder Thomas Partey at Arsenal is going to give manager Mikel Arteta the flexibility to play a number of formations.

The Gunners signed Partey on transfers deadline day from Atletico Madrid, paying the £45.3million release clause (BBC) in his contract to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Partey has earned a brilliant reputation in recent years due to his performances with La Liga side Atletico and he’s got the experience of playing at the top level in the Champions League.

The 27-year-old is a no-nonsense central midfielder that usually helps break up play in front of the defence and he loves a tackle.

Sutton has named the Ghana international as an upgrade at Arsenal and is expecting him to bring real versatility to his new North London club.

“I think the biggest thing when you sign a player he’s an upgrade on what Arsenal have,”  Sutton told Football Focus on BBC One (12:10pm, 10 October).

“He’ll be seen as an enforcer a defensive midfielder, but he’s better than that. He’s one he’ll always look forward with the pass and I think it gives Arteta the ability to play a number of different systems him coming in.”

TBR’s View:

Arsenal have certainly been building some serious momentum in recent months under the guidance of Spanish boss Arteta and the capture of Partey could prove out to be a crucial one.

Arteta, who is showing shades of why he was understudy to Pep Guardiola, is beginning to impress with his tactical awareness in game and he won’t be afraid to mix it up.

The arrival of Partey is certainly going to leave a big question of how he shapes his new-look midfield, as the likes of Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos are currently starring.