sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Paul Merson’s Reaction When He Learned How Much Arsenal Will Pay For Thomas Partey

Paul Merson’s Reaction When He Learned How Much Arsenal Will Pay For Thomas Partey

Paul Merson likes that Arsenal target Thomas Partey "played at Atletico Madrid, who are one of the most disciplined teams in Europe [...]."

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Arsenal hero Paul Merson claims he "nearly fell off my chair" after learning that Arsenal could snap up Thomas Partey for £45m.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is hoping to reinforce his squad options with Partey before the transfer window shuts today.

According to reports, Arsenal are willing to trigger the 27-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder's £45m release clause.

Sky Sports pundit Merson insisted that Partey would bring much-needed 'discipline' to Arsenal and doesn't believe the £45m price tag is 'a lot of money.'

The 52-year-old told Sky Sports: "I think he's a top-draw player. I nearly fell off my chair, £45million, I don't think that's a lot of money at all for the quality of player you are getting here.

"The one thing he brings as well. Discipline. He has played at Atletico Madrid, who are one of the most disciplined teams in Europe and he would do that.

PA

PA

"He's not a midfield player who goes running all over the place and you are thinking, 'Where has he gone?' He is very disciplined. I think he would be a great signing."

Lucas Torreira is expected to leave Arsenal before the window shuts, while Matteo Guendouzi has already completed a loan move to Hertha Berlin.

Merson added that he likes the approach Arteta is making with getting "rid of the players that are not involved."

He explained: "I like what Arteta's doing, he's trying to get rid of the players that are not involved.

PA

"You don't want them hanging around and he wants them out and fair play. I like what they're doing, Arsenal.

"They're not playing at the moment and he doesn't want them around the club. He's trying to get rid of them and I like that kind of business.

"You look at Manchester United and you think Phil Jones is still there and they're not going to play. What are they still doing there?

PA

"Fair play to the lads at Arsenal, they want to go and play football and saying they'll go. They aren't digging their heels in and saying, 'You know what? I'll stay here, I'm comfortable' and they want to play football.

"It's a short career so go and play football. There's an identity now with Arsenal and you know what they're trying to do.

"You know what they're trying to do. I think they try and overplay a bit too much but when you get someone like Partey in and [Dani] Ceballos in who can play, I like what they're doing.

"I'm gonna say it, I think Manchester City are missing Arteta."

Featured Image Credit: PA/Sky Sports

Topics: Football News, gunners, Football, Paul Merson, Premier League, Arsenal