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Arsenal and Chelsea were both linked with Thomas Partey, but it was the Gunners who eventually signed up the defensive midfielder from Atletico Madrid, as Chelsea never made a strong push for him.

The 27-year-old Ghanaian joined Arsenal in a £45m deal from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day, much to the delight of Arsenal fans, and he has now revealed that Blues legend Michael Essien is his best player ever.

When asked who his hero was, Partey stated in a Q&A: “Micheal Essien because he is one of the best players Ghana has ever had”.

Going further, when asked to name his pick for the greatest footballer ever, Partey also said Essien: “because he is my hero and he is my idol.”

Essien played 249 times for Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League in his nine seasons at the club.

Chelsea fans will forever remember Essien for his long-range strike against the Gunners in a 1-1 draw in 2007.