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Thomas Partey likened to club legend Patrick Vieira by former Arsenal star Armand Traore – ‘There’s definitely some similarities’
Former Arsenal defender Armand Traore believes there are similarities between new signing Thomas Partey and Gunners legend Patrick Vieira.
Partey finally completed a £45million move from Atletico Madrid last week after a long protracted summer transfer saga, penning a long-term deal at the Emirates.
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The midfielder joined up with his new teammates on Tuesday and could make his debut against Manchester City this Saturday, a game which is part of talkSPORT's Gameday coverage.
Many feel that Partey could be one of the final pieces in the jigsaw for Mikel Arteta as he continues to overhaul the club’s squad, a view which was echoed by Arsenal academy graduate Traore earlier this summer in an interview with talkSPORT.
As such, Traore – who made 33 appearances for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger – is delighted the club have got their man and feels the defensive midfielder’s arrival caps off a fine summer of recruitment by Arteta and his backroom staff.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, the Senegal international said: “I’m extremely pleased and I think all Arsenal fans are absolutely buzzing.
“They know about Patrick Vieira, because he is a legend of the club, and there’s definitely some similarities with Thomas Partey.
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"For me, they needed someone like that in there and a grafter and someone happy to do the dirty work. He knows that’s his job and his role.
“The good thing about this guy is he’s not just there to destroy the attack or the opponent’s play, as he can play football. He’s got very good technique, really strong in the tackle [and] powerful.
“I’m so impressed with what Arteta is doing. If you look through the lines, you can see what they’re doing.
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"Last time, I told you the first signing or the priority was to keep [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and that’s been done.
“If Arteta and Ozil can find a little agreement to get him back in the team – because the qualities he possesses, he needs to be in that team – it would be brilliant to see Aubmeyang, Ozil, Partey and all these players [on the pitch].
“I think they’re building something great. They’re definitely moving forward and I think the fans should just trust Arteta.”
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