Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey compared to Patrick Vieira by Arsenal legend

• Ghana's Thomas Teye Partey has been compared to Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira by club legend Martin Keown
• Partey bossed the midfield when Arsenal locked horns against Manchester City at the Emirates stadium in January this year
• Martin Keown has hailed Partey following his man of the match display against Pep Guardiola's side and has likened him to Patrick Vieira

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Thomas Partey has what it takes to emulate Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira following his outstanding display against Manchester City.

The 28-year-old was in a form of his life when the Gunners played against Pep Guardiola's side last month, even though they lost 2-1 thanks to a late goal by Rodri.

However, Partey swamped Manchester City in midfield – offering a little bit of everything – combative, technically gifted and some class on the ball.

And Arsenal legend Keown reserved some special praise for Partey, claiming he is showing the player Arsenal thought they have bought in the person of Vieira.

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On Partey, Keown said:

“Well, when you keep them on the pitch (Xhaka and Partey), they do a good job.

“Partey particularly, we’re looking at Xhaka at the moment, but Partey for me played his best game for Arsenal in that last game against Man City.

“I do feel now that he’s starting to show the player that Arsenal thought they bought. A Vieira-type character, able to get around the pitch, passes it well – he’s got everything in the locker, it’s just about consistency.”

Partey signed a four-year deal with Mikel Arteta's side on transfer deadline day in August 2020 after Arsenal triggered his £45million release clause with Atletico Madrid.

Partey becomes Arsenal's highest-paid player

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is now the highest paid player at Arsenal following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona.

Arsenal agreed to let Aubameyang join Barcelona on free transfer, 18 months from end of his £350,000-a-week contract.

The Gunners are estimated to be making a saving of around £25m in wages with Aubameyang's departure. But his exit means the highest earner at Arsenal is now Thomas Partey at £200K-a-week pay.