MX23RW : Friday, March 29 09:18:51| >> :120:30907:30907:

Thomas Partey: 'Convincing Aubameyang to stay showed Arsenal's ambition'

Thomas Partey: 'Convincing Aubameyang to stay showed Arsenal's ambition'
© Reuters
The Ghana international was impressed when captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a new contract.

New Arsenal signing Thomas Partey has revealed seeing the club hold on to captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proved to him that they are serious about matching his ambitions.

Partey was a long-term target for Arsenal, who finally landed the Ghana international on transfer deadline day as they paid his release clause – reported to be £45million – to get him from Atletico Madrid.

Despite talks of the move being dead in the water as the end of the window neared, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remained confident they could get their man.

It followed a summer where the Gunners also added Brazil international Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea and signed defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille.

But tying Aubameyang down to a new three-year deal was seen as the best piece of business by the club – especially given the lack of Champions League football since the 31-year-old arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.

Aubameyang was linked with a host of Europe's top clubs before agreeing to fresh terms as he aims to become a "legend" at Arsenal.

It appears the deal also caught the eye of Partey, who believes it shows the right level of aspiration in the hunt to return the club to being genuine contenders for the Premier League title.

Asked if convincing Aubameyang to stay proved to Partey the club's ambition was similar to his own, he replied: "Yes, it helps me understand that the club wants to achieve greater things and for me it is great to play alongside great players like him.

"This (winning the title) is our new objective. That's the objective of the club, of me myself and I think that we have to get back to where we belong.

"It's something that is difficult and we all know that it's difficult, but we're working towards it and I think we are ready. We have to go all out and try to achieve all of that ourselves."

Partey could make his Arsenal debut in Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester City but, while he is excited by the challenge of the Premier League, he admits he needs to adjust to a new league and new team.

Asked about the prospect of facing Pep Guardiola's side on his debut, he added: "Well, it's the decision of Mikel.

"I just arrived. For me, I'm prepared but I need to get used to the style of play before I can play.

"I like to play in the big matches, but it all depends on the coach and whether he wants me to play on Saturday or not.

"It depends on him. I need to get used to the squad and then train with the squad before we can see what we will happen.

"I think there is no pressure on me. I like to challenge myself, I like new challenges and it's all about learning fast, learning quickly how it goes and you just get used to it and everything works."

Partey also explained his decision to have Thomas on the back of his shirt rather than Partey was a tribute to his parents' religious belief.

But he may yet end up retaining the moniker 'Octopus' – which was bestowed upon him during his time on loan at Almeria.

"I always say, if I would be an animal, I would be an octopus," he said of the reason he sports an octopus tattoo.

"I remember when I was in Almeria they called me the octopus because I stole a lot of balls (with his long legs)."

ID:418271: cacheID:418271:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7155:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Nicolas Tagliafico in action for Ajax on February 20, 2020
Read Next:
Tuesday's papers: Nicolas Tagliafico, William Saliba, Mesut Ozil
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!