Former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien thinks Thomas Partey’s move to Arsenal is good news for both of them.

Thomas Partey is a few games into his Arsenal career now, making a substitute appearance against Manchester City before starting in the win over Rapid Vienna and the defeat to Leicester City.

Despite mixed team results so far, Partey’s fellow countryman and former Premier League midfielder Michael Essien thinks the 27-year-old made the right decision joining Arsenal, and they needed a player like him in the team.

“I wish him well and I am looking forward to seeing him do very well for Arsenal,” Essien said. “They have made a great signing by bringing my countryman to take on the Premier League.

“He is more of a typical No.6 than me. He is very good on the ball, wins duels, has good speed, reads the danger well and he is a very complete midfielder.

“I think it is a great move for him too, though. Arsenal is a great club. The Premier League is also brilliant, so it will help him to improve his game as well.”

It was a bold decision by Partey to leave his comfort zone at Atletico Madrid. He was a nailed-on starter at a Champions League club, joining an Arsenal side pushing to get back into the top European competition in a totally new league.

But he wanted a new challenge, and Arsenal were clearly an attractive club for him.

For the Gunners, it was a much easier call to make. According to the reports from TheAFCBell and quotes from club technical director Edu, Arsenal planned to sign Partey all summer. They just needed time to get everything else in place first.

Now it’s just about putting regular performances together on the pitch.