The Arsenal that Mikel Arteta took over in December 2019 is very different from the Arsenal of today.
In addition to overseeing drastic changes to the team and first team, the former captain of the Gunners has completely transformed the club’s mindset.
Even yet, in his five years as manager, the Spaniard has replaced the players he brought in earlier, with players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko now firmly behind Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz in the hierarchy.
Arteta has kept the club dynamic and new by being able to improve on his own choices and acknowledge when his acquisitions may be improved. According to current sources, he may be able to do the same with Thomas Partey in 2025.
News about transfers to Arsenal
A recent Spanish source claims that Arteta is especially interested in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and that Arsenal is one of three Premier League teams interested in the player.
In addition to the Gunners, the midfield player is reportedly being watched by Manchester City and Liverpool, who are ‘counting his days in the Spanish first league.’
The good news is that signing the 25-year-old won’t cost the North Londoners a fortune, even though this additional competition is far from ideal. The report confirms that the player’s release clause is €60 million, or roughly £50 million.
Even though there are still concerns about his desire to leave Spain and it might be a difficult transfer to complete, it’s still worth pursuing, even if it could hurt Partey’s chances of landing a new contract.
How Partey and Zubimendi are comparable
Let’s assume that Arsenal is successful in persuading Zubimendi to visit the Emirates for the upcoming campaign. Because the Spaniard can play in both central and defensive midfield, he would almost likely be viewed as an upgrade, which might lead to Partey leaving the team in the summer without receiving a new contract offer.
But is that totally fair? What is the difference between the two internationals? Even though the former Atletico Madrid player has looked rather spectacular for the Gunners this season, when we compare the two teams’ underlying metrics, things don’t look particularly good for him.
For instance, the Ghanaian international ranks second in most metrics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots on target, key passes, shot-creating actions, blocks, errors leading to a shot, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, and aerial duels won, even though he leads in some metrics like tackles and interceptions.
It is much easier to determine who would be the better long-term choice for Arteta’s team when you consider the “world-class” Spaniard’s considerable statistical advantage, as referred to by former teammate Kieran Tierney, as well as the fact that he is six years younger than the Gunners ace and significantly less prone to injuries.
Although Partey’s performances this season justify the North Londoners offering him a short-term contract in the summer to retain him in the team, they should do so if they can get Zubimendi, who is a perfect replacement for the 31-year-old.