Thomas Partey waited for Arsenal to make their move for him on deadline day because he wanted to join a ‘bigger’ team than Juventus or Chelsea, claims his father.

Thomas Partey to join Arsenal in 2020

The 27-year-old completed a deadline-day switch to Mikel Arteta’s side from Atletico Madrid last week after they triggered his £45million release clause.

Though Jacob Partey admits there was interest from Frank Lampard’s Chelsea and Juve, he says his son wanted to help Arsenal back into the Champions League.

Thomas Partey waited for Arsenal to make their move despite interest from Juventus and Chelsea as he wanted to join a ‘bigger club’

Partey’s father, Jacob, insists his son was always keen to make a move to the Emirates

He told Ghanaian My Joy Online: ‘We actually weren’t disturbed by anything because we hoped a bigger team will come.

‘We were aware [other teams that were interested]: Juventus, Chelsea and so forth. So through all of this we knew God was with us. From that minute we started to dance to “Party after Party”.

‘What I [noticed] was that he was willing to play where there is Champions League [football] but [I suggested to him that] can’t he be where there is no Champions League and help them get into the Champions League?

‘My advice to him was irrespective of the big move, he has to keep training seriously and not lose focus. Not chase ladies so he doesn’t flop! He was very receptive of that.’

The Ghanaian midfielder joined the Gunners in a £45m move from Atletico Madrid last week