Partey signed for Arsenal on transfer deadline day after the Gunners activated his £45million release clause.
The Ghanaian international has been eased into action with his new club so far, but has featured against Manchester City, Rapid Vienna and Leicester City – with his performance in Austria the most promising performance so far.
Partey is likely to start as Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, and former Liverpool and England star Barnes believes the midfielder will help Arteta shield a defence which has failed to convince in recent years.
“Currently, Arsenal are a lot stronger in defence than they were last season,” Barnes toldBonusCodeBets. “The signing of Thomas Partey is a big factor in that as they look to find the balance of the team and his role of shielding the back four and the transition of defence into attack.
