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Arsenal

Thomas: "I've always wanted to play in the top leagues"

Arsenal's new addition Thomas Partey could not turn down the chance to test himself in the Premier League when the Gunners came calling.

Update:
Thomas: "I've always wanted to play in the top leagues"
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Thomas Partey moved to Arsenal to give himself a fresh challenge as the former Atlético Madrid star aims to help the Gunners return to the top.

Partey signed for Arsenal on deadline day after the Premier League club decided to trigger the £45million (€50m) release clause in the 27-year-old's Atleti contract.

The Ghana midfielder was a long-term target for Arsenal and is now aiming to push the club onto the next level in Mikel Arteta's first full season.

Thomas: "It's a big challenge for me"

"Yes, of course," Partey told a news conference when asked if he can win trophies at Arsenal.

"It's something that is difficult and we all know that it's difficult, but we're working towards it and I think we are ready. We have to go all out and try to achieve all of that ourselves.

"I've seen that everyone has been excited and everyone is willing to win something and all the trophies that come their way. I think that's the goal and objective for everyone here and that's my goal also.

"This is our new objective. That's the objective of the club, of myself, and I think that we have to get back to where we belong.

"I think it was a new challenge for me. I've always wanted to play in the top leagues and the Premier League is one of the top leagues, so I'm happy to be here.

"I think it's a great challenge, I want to experience new challenges and also in a great family like Arsenal. I am ready to give it my all and try to help this great club come back to where they belong.

"I think there is no pressure on me. I like to challenge myself. I like new challenges as I said and it's all about learning fast, learning quickly how it goes and you just get used to it and everything works."

Manchester City could be Thomas' debut

Partey could be in line to make his debut on Saturday when Arsenal take on Manchester City, who they beat in the FA Cup semi-finals in July.

"For me it's a great feeling. I like to play in the big matches, but it all depends on the coach and whether he wants me to play on Saturday or not," Partey said of possibly facing Pep Guardiola's side.

"It depends on him. I need to get used to the squad and then train with them before we can see what we will happen.

"I still have much to develop, I still have more to learn with this new family. I will have to learn more things to achieve all my goals, and to achieve the goals of the club as well.

"I think I have to be quick, make sure that I learn everything as fast as I can. In football, I have to make sure I do everything on the training ground and make sure Mikel sees that I am ready to play for him."