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'He has the quality to bring us one step forward': Granit Xhaka hails £45m signing Thomas Partey having played against the Ghanaian when Atletico Madrid beat Arsenal in 2018 Europa League semi-finals

Granit Xhaka believes Arsenal's new £45million arrival Thomas Partey will add an extra dimension to their team - having witnessed his qualities first hand.

Partey played in both legs when Arsenal lost to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in 2018.

Playing in his usual central midfield position, he helped Atletico mount an outstanding rearguard action at the Emirates to claim a 1-1 first leg draw having played 80 minutes with 10 men following Sime Vrsaljko's red card.

Thomas Partey gets the better of Granit Xhaka during the 2018 UEFA Europa League semi-final
Partey certainly won't be afraid to pull any punches in the heart of the midfield for Arsenal

Partey then slotted in for the suspended Vrsaljko at right-back in the return leg in Madrid, which Atletico won 1-0 to reach the final.