Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor encouraged Thomas Partey to join the Gunners over Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.
Adebayor felt Partey would benefit from joining a ‘family club’ and claimed a move to Arsenal would be ‘good for his development’.
Subsequently, the Ghana midfielder completed a £45million transfer from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in September following Adebayor’s advice.
Speaking at an event in Ghana, Adebayor said: “He told me that some clubs in England, namely Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others have shown interest in him and he needs advice.
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“I advised him to go to Arsenal because I have had the opportunity to play there and I think it will be good for his development.
“Arsenal is more than a club, it is a family, and I’m impressed with his performances so far in the Premier League.”
Adebayor is not the only one who has been impressed with Partey’s performances. Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson hailed the Ghana midfielder, calling him the ‘signing of the summer’.
He told Sky Sports: “I think Partey’s a massive, massive difference. I mean, what a signing.
“When you talk about signings in the summer, he’s got to be number one. I cannot believe, without being horrible here, that Arsenal got him.”
Partey has had a positive impression at Arsenal, following his debut against Manchester City on October 17.
There are, however, injury concerns over Partey after the 27-year-old forced to withdraw from Ghana’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Sudan due to a thigh strain he picked up against Aston Villa.
Partey was subbed off during Arsenal’s 3-0 loss, but the injury concern does not seem detrimental.
