By Danong
**Gooners can hardly contain their excitement about Arsenal’s 2024–25 midfield setup—and understandably so.
Once Martín Zubimendi completes his medical, the Gunners are set for a significant midfield shake-up.
Here’s what that could mean for Mikel Arteta’s setup—and for Thomas Partey.
Zubimendi would almost certainly slot in as the first-choice number six.His calmness under pressure, elite positional sense, and press resistance offer the kind of control Arteta has long craved at the base of midfield.
Defensive Monster
Zubimendi’s 2024–25 stats scream elite destroyer:**
**- Tackles: 2.27 per 90 minutes (82.1% success rate)
- Interceptions: 1.36 per 90 (top 10% in La Liga)
- Clearances: 2.43 per 90 (90th percentile)
- Aerial duels won: 1.64 per 90 (61.7% success)
According to Fbref, Zubimendi excels in defensive efficiency with fewer errors (3) compared to Partey's 4. He also has superior tackle success (63.6% vs. Partey's 60.5%, Rice's 41.5%).
He dominates in interceptions (44 vs. Partey's 35, Rice's 25) and makes the most ball recoveries (117 vs. Partey's 124, Rice's 78), despite fewer 90s played.
Impressively, his lower "Lost" count (16 vs. Partey's 30, Rice's 24) highlights better ball retention. The Spaniard's balanced defensive contributions across all thirds (31 Def 3rd, 29 Mid 3rd) make him a more reliable and disciplined option.
** With his introduction Rice could operate in a more dynamic, box-to-box role. With the Spaniard anchoring, Rice would be freed to carry the ball, press higher, and attack space—playing to his core strengths.
**Partey's Crossroads
For Thomas Partey, it might now be decision time. He could remain a squad rotation option, or reprise the inverted right-back role we saw last season.
A departure remains possible too. His contract expires in 2025, and extension talks have yet to yield progress.
Better Game Management
Zubimendi could transform Arsenal’s control in tight matches. Last season, some of the 14 draws exposed the team’s occasional midfield vulnerability—particularly in Partey’s absence.
With Zubimendi offering similar control but with more consistency, that fragility might now be behind them.
If we’re reading Arteta’s intentions correctly, he’s building for midfield domination. A trio of Zubimendi, Rice, and Martin Ødegaard offers balance, intelligence, and relentless ball progression.
While Manchester City fans may feel Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rodri are daylight robbery, Arsenal’s new midfield is shaping up to be the real Grand Theft Auto.**