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Arsenal are now in a position to challenge for a top four place in the Premier League this season after signing Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
After consistently qualifying for the Champions League under long serving boss Arsene Wenger, the Gunners have faded away in recent years and haven’t played in Europe’s elite competition since 2016/17.
Last season, Arsenal finished way down in eighth position in the Premier League, which was their worst finish in 30 years, but there have been signs of improvement since Mikel Arteta arrived to replace Unai Emery as manager.
Arteta guided the Gunners to the FA Cup last season with victory over Chelsea at Wembley and that ensured they’d be playing Europa League football this season whilst also guaranteeing some much-needed revenue.
With European football secured, Arsenal were able to spend in the transfer market and while Gabriel and Willian will be great signings, the £45m addition of Thomas Partey should prove to be a game-changer for the north Londoners.
Arsenal have needed a physical presence in the middle of the park for years and Partey will be an ideal fit as the Ghanaian international developed into one of the best all-round midfielders in Spain during his time with Atletico.
Arsenal backed for top 4
The arrival of Partey has had a real influence on the betting markets as bookmakers are now backing Arsenal to push for a top four finish this season having been huge outsiders just a couple of months ago.
You can now back the Gunners to finish in the top four of the Premier League at odds of 2/1, which is similar to Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham but well adrift of Man City and Liverpool – who are widely expected to be the top two again this season.
Many Arsenal fans are flocking to bookmakers to place their bets before the odds fall further and many from Africa are now following the Londoners due to Partey’s presence in the team as he has a huge following in the region. Those in Africa can register on 22Bet Ghana here and back Arsenal to finish above the likes of Tottenham and United this campaign.
After a few difficult years, the Gunners now have a squad capable of competing with their rivals and Partey should be a big upgrade on the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka once he settles into life in England.
It’s likely to be a long, grueling season and the top half is arguably the most competitive it’s been for years with Everton, Wolves and Leicester also impressing but Arsenal should be right in the mix for the Champions League places next May.
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