Kevin Campbell believes Arsenal should prioritise Thomas Partey signing

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes the Gunners should prioritise the signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid this summer. The Ghana international has been touted to join the north London side over the past few months, but the club have yet to finalise a deal for his services.

Atletico are adamant that they won’t accept anything less than the £45m release clause on his contract, but the Gunners are still hopeful of negotiating a lesser price. They have already failed with a player-plus-cash deal involving Matteo Guendouzi for the midfielder but are expected to come up with a renewed bid.

In a report from Genting Bet, Campbell emphasised that his former club are lacking the presence of a dominant holding midfielder in the form of Patrick Vieira or Gilberto Silva and they must prioritise the purchase of Partey this summer, he told: “Thomas Partey is a signing that I desperately want to happen for Arsenal. Because if you speak to any Arsenal supporter, there’s a lack of a holding midfielder who is big, strong, aggressive and complete.

“Arsenal have missed that since probably Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva. The team has missed that presence in the centre of the pitch. [Granit] Xhaka and [Lucas] Torreira were brought in but they aren’t that player. Arsenal need somebody and I’ve watched Partey play all year, I think he is ideal for Arsenal. First signing? Arsenal need to get Partey.”

The north London giants finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League, but they managed to end the season on a good note by winning the FA Cup. As a result, they have qualified for the Europa League group stage and that should help in luring players to the club. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to sign Philippe Coutinho and Willian alongside Partey this summer.