English football television pundit and former professional footballer Paul Merson says Ghana's Thomas Partey is better than what Manchester United and Manchester City have in their camp.

Merson showered praises on Arsenal for their effort to sign the midfielder, but says Manchester United should have rather signed the 27-year-old.

The Gunners paid Partey’s £45 million release clause

The Gunners legend admits he is unsure why Manchester United didn’t go in for Arsenal’s Thomas Partey on deadline day as the midfielder is superior to their current options.

The Red Devils had a relatively quiet window compared to their rivals in the Premier League, as they missed out on top target Jadon Sancho.

However, United did bring in £40 million midfielder Donny van de Beek, and on deadline day sealed deals for Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and youngsters Facundo Pellestri and Amad Diallo, with the latter set to arrive in January in a deal rising to £37m.

"Solskjaer should have gone for Partey," says Merson.

Their top-four rivals Arsenal made a late push to sign Partey from Atletico Madrid as they activated his £45m release clause.

He told the Daily Star: "I like where Arsenal are going on the pitch. Mikel Arteta is doing really well. And Partey is an unbelievable signing. "I don’t know why Manchester United or even Manchester City didn’t go for him. He’s better than what they’ve got."

Partey made 35 league appearances and scored three goals for Diego Simeone's side as they finished third in La Liga last season.

He played 188 times for Atletico after joining the club in 2011.
Partey won the 2017-18 Europa League and 2018 Super Cup with Atletico and signed a new deal at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2018, until the end of June 2023.

Mersin said he could not fathom why United, or even Manchester City didn’t attempt to bring in the Ghana international.

United have struggled to click into gear so far this season, losing two out of their first three Premier League games. Jose Mourinho returned to Old Trafford to inflict a humiliating 6-1 defeat on his former club last weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will get the chance to bounce back when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park after the international break.