Edu says Partey was a part of the club’s transfer plans six or seven months ago

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has revealed that new signing Thomas Partey was a part of the club’s transfer plans six or seven months ago.

The process of signing the Ghanaian took months as the club needed to figure out how they were going to buy the player, what the financial and legal requirements were and if the player and his camp were inclined to a move to North London. 

The Gunners were intent on rebuilding their midfield this summer and managed to move on Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. The former moved to Atletico Madrid on a season long loan while the latter also completed a loan move to Hertha Berlin. Thomas Partey was the club’s primary transfer target and they might have had to wait longer than fans would have liked but they got their man.

Edu felt confident that the club would sign Partey after the board and owners greenlit the move. He presented them with his plan in the transfer market. They were full of excitement and completely on board. 

The North London club paid Partey’s £45 million release clause on deadline day. The 27 year old underwent a medical in Spain and after the transfer was completed, he linked up with the Ghanaian squad.