Arteta's presence in Arsenal dugout will persuade Partey to join the club - Spanish La Liga expert claims

Spanish La Liga expert Graham Hunter has expressed his belief that Mikel Arteta's playing career as a holding midfielder could be key to Arsenal's chances of winning the race for Thomas Partey.

Partey has been heavily linked with a move to north London in recent weeks following his swashbuckling display for Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old, who has spent his entire career at Atletico Madrid - is reportedly open to a transfer.

The Ghanaian, who has a buy-out clause of around £45 million in his Atletico contract, has featured in 24 of Atletico's 27 league games this season and has been a standout player for Diego Simeone's side.

And Spanish La Liga specialist, Hunter believes the Gunners will win the race to his signature due to the presence of Mikel Arteta in the club's dugout.

"Partey speaks decent English, so that wouldn't be an obstacle from him were he to go to the Premier League," Hunter told Sky Sports.

"He's still at an age where the pace and the physicality of the Premier League wouldn't be beyond him."

"He's not the quickest, but he's an athlete that keeps going."

"I don't imagine for a second that he grew up idolising Mikel Arteta, but because of the amount of English football that's shown in Ghana, and because of the role that Arteta played as a midfielder in the Premier League."

"I'm sure Partey will feel he would be working for a coach who would be able to educate him still further in the arts of organising the centre of midfield."