- 24 Dec 2024
Arteta: Arsenal will have a ‘new signing’ in Partey
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 2 min read
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says that the imminent return of Thomas Partey following his injury layoff will be like having a new signing.
Partey was Arsenal’s big summer purchase for €50 million from Atletico Madrid but he has so far featured sparingly due to physical problems.
The Ghanaian has made only five Premier League appearances and has missed most of the last two months with thigh and hip injuries.
However, the 27-year-old is close to returning and could be back in action for the FA Cup clash with Newcastle next week.
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“[Like a new signing?] Absolutely, we are in January and I think he has played two-and-a-half games. That’s all and he was our main signing,” Arteta said.
“We’ve been missing him. He brings something different to the team. He’s a player with an enormous talent, but as well someone who can transform the team the way we want.
“If we can have him, keep him healthy, I think he will contribute in a real positive way.
“He hasn’t trained fully with us, but he has done most part of training the last few days.
“He is feeling good and we will assess him. He needs another two or three good sessions to see if he is 100 per cent available to play. If that is the case, great news for us.”
Arsenal have experienced a resurgence in recent games, winning their last three matches on the bounce and thrashing West Brom 4-0 on Saturday.
