Diego Simeone has been left seething at Arsenal following the late deadline day deal that saw key midfielder Thomas Partey depart Atletico Madrid after the Gunners triggered his release clause.
Partey was a key part of Simeone’s plans at the Wanda Metropolitano this term, but the club were powerless to keep hold of him after Arsenal swooped in with a £45million deal in the final minutes of deadline day.
According to Libertad Digital, the Argentine was so certain the Ghanaian midfielder was going to stay at Atletico, he had discussed tactical plans with his own deadline day arrival in Lucas Torreira – who had arrived on loan from the Emirates Stadium.
Diego Simeone has been left ‘angry’ following Thomas Partey’s £45million Atletico Madrid exit
Simeone had planned to use Partey in midfield alongside deadline day arrival Lucas Torreira
Despite Partey having been a long-time target for Arsenal, his late switch was one of the surprises of the day with the Gunners’ valuation of the player having previously long been below the release clause.
They had even been in discussions in a deal with the Spanish side for weeks prior to Monday, without much breakthrough in the hopes of a transfer.
It is believed Partey’s wages at Arsenal are around £250,000 a week and a £1.8m signing on fee could be included.
Partey has penned a four year deal with the option for a fifth year and will wear the No 18 shirt
Arsenal boss MIkel Arteta’s move for Partey came as a surprise on transfer deadline day
According to ESPN, he has put pen to paper on a four-year-deal with an option for a further year having made 188 appearances across five years in Spain.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta told the club’s official website: ‘We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad. He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy.
‘He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.
‘We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.’
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