Posted by Former Arsenal striker, Kevin Campbell has stated that Thomas Partey should be a priority for Arsenal and they must do everything in their power to sign him from Atlético Madrid.
The Ghanaian international who has a €50 million release clause at Atlético Madrid has been linked with a move to Arsenal since the start of the year, but transfer funds remain in short supply at Emirates Stadium.
Nevertheless, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has urged his former outfit to do everything in their power to sign the combative midfielder.
“Thomas Partey is the most important signing for Arsenal,” Kevin Campbell told Gentingbet.
“A player like Thomas Partey stops things getting to the back four – he is that screen that sits there, like [Patrick] Vieira and Gilberto were – someone who protects the back four so they don’t even need to break a sweat.
“They haven’t had that kind of player since Gilberto, who was such an unsung hero. That type of player, Arsenal have missed.
“I believe that getting Thomas Partey is the priority and I think that they will get the business done in the end but I’m sure they have to get a couple of bodies out of the club before they bring him in.”
According to reports, the Gunners are willing to offer French striker Alexandre Lacazette to sweeten the deal. A move that would be appealing to Atlético Madrid who have a long-standing interest in the center-forward.
“I don’t like to admit this, but if it is the only way to bring in Thomas Partey, I can see Arsenal parting with Lacazette.
“I don’t want him to leave because I think he gives Arsenal something totally different. He’s very good at holding up the ball which gives [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang time to get his runs going inside and score more goals.
“Don’t forget, Aubameyang scored 20 goals with Lacazette in the side. I don’t think Aubameyang is that good with his back to goal, he’s a lot better runner running towards the goal so it might lessen the threat of the team. So, ideally, I’d like to keep Lacazette and get Partey as well”, he added.