The Arsenal of today is not at all like the Arsenal Mikel Arteta took over in December 2019.
The former Gunners captain has entirely changed the club’s mentality in addition to implementing significant changes to the squad and first team.
Despite this, the Spaniard has replaced the players he brought in earlier during his five years as manager, with players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko now firmly beneath Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori in the hierarchy.
By being able to improve on his own decisions and recognize when his acquisitions may be improved, Arteta has maintained the club’s vibrancy and novelty. Current reports suggest that he might be able to accomplish the same feat with Thomas Partey in 2025.
Transfer rumors to ArsenalAccording to a recent Spanish source, Arsenal is one of three Premier League teams interested in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who Arteta is particularly interested in.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also apparently keeping an eye on the midfield talent in addition to the Gunners, who are “counting his days in the Spanish first league.”
Although this extra competition is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners won’t have to pay a fortune to recruit the 25-year-old. According to the report, the player has a €60 million (about £50 million) release clause.
It’s still worthwhile to pursue, even though it might make it more difficult for Partey to get a new deal, even though there are still worries about his intention to leave Spain.
How Zubimendi and Partey are similar
Assume for the moment that Arsenal is able to convince Zubimendi to come to the Emirates for the forthcoming season. The Spaniard would probably be seen as an upgrade because of his ability to play in both central and defensive midfield, which might result in Partey departing the squad in the summer without being offered a new deal.
But is that really fair? What distinguishes the two foreigners from one another? The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has had a fantastic season with the Gunners, but when we look at the underlying stats of the two teams, he doesn’t appear to be doing well.
For example, although he leads in some metrics like tackles and interceptions, the Ghanaian international ranks second in most other metrics, such as 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.
When you take into account the “world-class” Spaniard’s significant statistical advantage—as mentioned by former teammate Kieran Tierney—as well as the fact that he is six years younger than the Gunners ace and much less prone to injuries, it becomes much simpler to decide who would be the better long-term choice for Arteta’s team.
The North Londoners should grant Partey a short-term contract in the summer to keep him in the club, even though his performances this season deserve it. Zubimendi is the ideal successor for the 31-year-old.