Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has welcomed their deal for Geoffrey Kondogbia.

The midfielder was signed yesterday from Valencia as an emergency transfer for Thomas Partey after his departure for Arsenal.

After their 1-1 draw with Champions League opponents Lokomotiv Moscow, Simeone said: "His arrival will generate internal competition, more spare parts, more possibilities to play.

"He will energise the environment and be important for everything that comes on the calendar.

"He creates tougher competition for us. Whoever responds best will have their minutes."