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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expects great things from the “smiling” Thomas Partey at Arsenal, and the Ghana international offers important qualities the Gunners have lacked.
At the Emirates Stadium, the first comparisons are being made between a deadline-day signing and club legend Patrick Vieira.
Partey is considered to be cut in the same way as an iconic World Cup winner, with his game of adding graft and engine room cunning.
He has already shown that skill in an Arsenal jersey, with an impressive performance in what was his first start for the North London giants against Rapid Vienna.
There will be more to come once he is fully up to speed, with Mikel Arteta set to deliver a prominent role in an ambitious Premier League team.
Aubameyang believes that the £ 45 million ($ 59 million) man Partey will prove to be a canny addition, with the potential for an inspiring 27-year-old to improve the game of those around him.
It can also strengthen the backbone of an Arsenal team that has been accused of being a bit soft at times, and the Gunners reap the rewards of investing in the right kinds of additions.
Gunner captain Aubameyang told the club official program of the day of a new signing: “He has integrated very well into the squad.
“He is kind, calm and smiling. On the pitch, we have already seen what he will bring us in matches.
“He is very strong physically but also very good with the ball. Actually, we didn’t have a profile like this on our team before.
“In terms of ball progression, beating the press, moving forward, it will be very important for us.
“My family is from Gabon, but I also have some roots in Ghana, where Thomas is from, so we are family too!
“It’s also good for some of our younger players to have a player like him, of his caliber in training. They will learn a lot from him. “
Arsenal will return to Premier League action on Sunday when they have a date at home with Leicester and Partey could be offered his full English top flight debut when the Foxes arrive in town, having taken his first bow since the bench in a 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
