Denis Suarez believes Thomas Partey will bring something unique to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team and says outgoing midfielder Lucas Torreira is ‘ideal’ for Atletico Madrid.
On a hectic transfer deadline day, Arsenal met Partey’s £45m Atletico release clause, while offloading Torreira to the Spanish side on a season-long loan deal.
Ghana international Partey spent eight years at Atletico Madrid and helped the club win the Europa League and reach the Champions League final.
Suarez struggled during his spell at Arsenal – making just six apperances under former boss Unai Emery – but expects Partey to take to his new club well.
‘Arsenal lacked a player of that profile,’ Suarez told Goal. ‘Thomas, because of his physique, will feel comfortable in England.’
Torreira made 39 appearances for Arsenal last season but has fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks and will hope to revive his career at Atletico under Diego Simeone.
Suarez added: ‘Lucas Torreira is a player with good technique. He presses and plays strong, so he is an ideal player for Simeone.’
Partey, meanwhile, says he wants to take Arsenal back to ‘where they belong’ after his move from Atletico Madrid.
‘I think it’s a great challenge, I want to experience new challenges and also in a great family like Arsenal,’ he said.
‘I am ready to give it my all and try to help this great club come back to where they belong.
‘I still have much to develop, I still have more to learn with this new family.
‘I will have to learn more things to achieve all my goals, and achieve the goals of the club as well.’
Partey could make his Arsenal debut on Saturday when Arteta’s side travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City.
