Credible reports of the expected arrival of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi have fueled Thomas Partey’s rumoured exit from Arsenal this summer.
News broke in the United Kingdom (UK) media on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, that Arsenal is close to agreeing on a deal with Real Sociedad for the signing of Zubimendi.
The reports further state that Zubimendi has already agreed to personal terms with Arsenal and that the Gunners are in talks with his club to reach an agreement.
The impending arrival of Zubimendi has fueled rumors of Thomas Partey’s exit, as the Spaniard plays in the same position as the Ghanaian.
With six months left on his contract, Arsenal is currently not involved in any negotiations with Thomas Partey over the extension of his deal.
The Daily Mail reported last week that Arsenal are not open to renewing Partey’s contract and will allow the Ghanaian midfielder to leave.
Speaking on Partey and Jorginho’s contract situation on January 3, Mikel Arteta said that a decision will be made at the right time.
“Well, that is a possibility when that situation is in the contract. It’s close communication with them to understand as well what the idea is, what they want to do, and our intentions, and then decide what the best option for everybody is. But it’s two players I am very, very happy with, and they are such a value in the squad.
“When I want to give them the right mind frame because it’s the most important part of the season,” he said.
In the 2023/2024 season, Thomas Partey has played 30 matches for Arsenal across all competitions.
He has scored two goals and made two assists.
Notice how Zubimendi was my preferred heartbeat of the side if Partey was to leave?
— ARTETA'S REVENGE (@jeffrey_dalyop_) January 14, 2025
Arteta's blood diamond is coming back with a new CF, vengeance & fury.
This time, no TIMBER ACL will delay it.
Havertz, Rice & Odegaard would be un-recognizable next season. #TALKSOON https://t.co/KjAAHi7o03 pic.twitter.com/yNzUOLGdUT
£50 million Partey
£105 million Rice£51 million Zubimendi
— D (@EideballHater99) January 14, 2025
£12 million Jorginho
£20 million Lokonga
Arteta would have spent £230 million on defensive midfielders, more than he's spent on forwards but they'll tell you Arsenal's attack being in bad shape isn't his fault https://t.co/G3Ao73Gr3t
Zubimendi is absolutely huge, even if not for right now. Replaces Partey and Jorginho in one, and is probably the very best on the market. Any chance we now convince Sesko and Nico too and right all the wrongs of the summer?
— ∞ (@TheFalseNein) January 14, 2025
Really good news. Our attack is getting all the focus, but we need a big midfield rebuild as well with Jorginho and (hopefully) Partey leaving.
— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) January 14, 2025
Zubimendi is probably the best "six" on the market and £51m is decent value. Interested to see what it means for Rice long term. https://t.co/pUbI2Epyrt
Top signing.
The midfield needed to get younger with Partey and Jorginho on the wrong side of 30.
— Mo (@MoArsenal86) January 14, 2025
Zubimendi is perfect for how Arteta likes to play.
Liverpool and Real Madrid wanted him too - this is a HUGE coup for us. https://t.co/YHX1qT33s5
Zubimendi is a huge upgrade on Partey and Jorginho.
— Tactx (@Tactx_) January 14, 2025
It's a no-brainer.
Two world-class attacking players are needed on top of this, but if you can get Zubimendi, you get him
Zubimendi is a good signing, might see Jorginho and Partey moved on, but we need 1 or 2 signings now. Tough to be excited about next season. What's happening in this window?
— Curtis Shaw (@curtisshaw9) January 14, 2025
Nobody has any sense when it comes to Arsenal. People are asking why we are signing Zubimendi.
Maybe because Jorginho and Partey are leaving at the end of their contracts this summer?
— AI (@nonewthing) January 15, 2025
Zubimendi isn’t the perfect player, but we have to replace Partey and Jorginho this summer and he’s one of the best available, especially at £50m. Also 6-8yrs younger.
— PB (@OliPriceBates) January 15, 2025
With some Rice and MLS minutes at #6, we probably only need him to replace both too. pic.twitter.com/NvjwXAdp8Z
Stage 1 of this rebuild... address the long term futures of Partey/Jorginho by making a move for Zubimendi... nice work
— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) January 14, 2025
As I always say, signings can't always be completed in order of priority.
I still think they'll sign a forward this month, would be mad not to. https://t.co/aKWvNM5EOo