Arsenal’s current established midfield comprises Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey, who regularly start matches and form the core of the team’s engine room.
Jorginho was previously a backup option before his departure, and with the anticipated arrival of the Spanish midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, it is expected that he will take Jorginho’s place in the squad.
Zubimendi’s Arrival and Expectations
However, it is clear to nearly every Arsenal supporter that Zubimendi is not being signed simply to sit on the bench. His quality and potential are too great for that, and the club’s acquisition of him reflects a genuine intent to improve the team’s midfield strength and versatility.
Finding a role for Zubimendi within the current system will be a challenge. He is unlikely to immediately displace any of the established starters without careful consideration from the manager. The club’s midfield already boasts top-quality players, and integrating Zubimendi will require strategic planning.
Thomas Partey’s contract is set to expire in just over ten days, although it is widely expected that the Ghanaian international will soon agree to an extension. Partey was one of Arsenal’s standout performers last season, contributing significantly both defensively and offensively, which gives the club every reason to keep him.
Would it be wise to bench Partey in favour of Zubimendi? This is a difficult question, as Partey’s experience and influence on the pitch have been invaluable. The decision will depend on how quickly Zubimendi can adapt to the demands of Premier League football.
Tactical Adjustments and Midfield Partnerships
It is important to bear in mind that Zubimendi is new to English football and may need time to adjust to its pace and physicality. That said, the manager may well modify his tactical system to allow Zubimendi to flourish from the outset.
One possibility is that both Partey and Zubimendi could be paired together in midfield, offering a blend of physicality, technical ability, and defensive solidity. Alternatively, the manager might opt to rotate them depending on the opposition or competition demands.
If Partey remains and Zubimendi arrives, the challenge will be to find the best midfield partnership to maximise Arsenal’s performance. Would you prefer to see them play side by side or select one ahead of the other?
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If Partey does stay, and we have a full squad to choose from, then no. I don’t see Rice or Odegaard being benched in an important game. I expect Partey and Zubimendi to be rotated with Zubimendi playing the majority of the games. There will be plenty of games for both players.
I think arteta was hoping to replace partey with rice a year ago (or at least move partey to RB to get the extra midfielder into the team), but it didn’t work out. If partey stays, I imagine zubimendi starts unless/until it becomes clear he’s not able to do the job well enough. I think he’ll be good but there’s always the chance it takes a while for him to settle in.
In any case, I was under the impression partey is basically gone – could be wrong. With jorginho leaving already we could really do with holding onto partey for another year if we can.
latest reports point to Partey leaving
Partey should be playing the Jorginho part. If the Zubimendi rumour is real then him and Rice are the starters.
I think Partey has lost eve more of his athleticism, age is catching up.
Right, eventually the team needs to replace Partey. He is losing physicality
I think Arteta is happy with keeping Partey but I think Partey may not agree with salary
I don’t think Partey will still be our player come the start of the season. Zubimendi at 6 and Rice at 8.
Arteta’s earns more in a year more than I might earn in my lifetime. Therefore It’s his decision to make not mine.
– As long as he doesn’t try the ‘Partey at RB’ useless experiment, it’s fine.
– As long as he doesn’t sell Thomas Partey, it’s fine
– As long as we don’t end up trophyless come May 2026, it’s fine
Next Article?
I know MA would never do this but…..it should depend on who you are playing the team should be altered to counter the opposition
If Arsenal eventually sign Zubimendi, I am looking forward to an experiment of Rice–Pathey–Zubimendi in Odegard’s position. Arsenal too much reliant on Odegard didn’t help last season especially when the captain wasn’t in form. But we all know Arteta wouldn’t play Zubimendi and Pathey together leaving Rice floating
Partey has had a standout season but employers tend not to forget an employees/contractor’s full attendance and fitness record. I doubt that we’ll see Partey if he’s only asked to commit to a 1 year extension on reduced wage. Seems a bit insulting when you can find improved offers elsewhere.
So with that said know that Zubimendi’s comes with a rep that precedes him, right? He’s one of the best in his position. It suggests he steps in immediately alongside Rice – a sort of baptism by fire you could say. Along with Odegaard this trio still make for a lethal cocktail – we’d still be ok.
Maybe, though Partey knows the opponents better. Typically Arteta lets a player bed in a little before starting them, so I’d expect Partey starting and making way for Zubimendi after 60 or 70 minutes in early games.
it wasn’t really standout. let us not make emotional observations. His best days are coming to an end if you watched him closely . Rare MOM player last season
A team that got to semi finals of the champions league. There is not much changes to make. Just quality additions are needed. How difficult it has been for Merino to control the midfield should be a lesson. Zubi might need time. Don’t put him under the same pressure Kai was under. Keep Partey, use him to ease Zubi into the team gradually. Don’t rush to make wholesome changes to the team and suddenly have a new team with no identity struggling to find a playing style.
I want to see Arsenal take the next step, not a reset.
Well given they signed no one in January no one could accuse us of rushing mate
Please stop obsessing over January Dan.
Playing them both along with Rice (since Odegaard can’t be ahead of Rice currently) would be too defensive. That midfield would severely lack creativity. It would only be an option in a game we are favourites to lose or a high stakes match like the CL semis
Strange article. It doesn’t make any sense to have these two elite defensive midfielders play together as starters – it would mean benching Rice or changing formation.
I think there’s a fairly high chance Partey is the starting 6 for the first few games if he’s fit and firing in training, especially since we have a run of games against strong sides he is familiar with. And then for Zubi to be broken in, being subbed on for Partey, to eventually replace him as starter. But, hard to say for sure. Arteta has also put new acquisitions straight into the fire as well.
Let’s wait and see if Partey signs a new contract first before we start guessing on who starts as the DM.
and also wait to see if Zubimendi joins
If it was up to me, I would start Partey and replace him with Zubimendi at around 60 minutes to help him adapt to the Premier League. I see Zubimendi as a replacement for Partey, and so once he has adapted to our playstyle, I would start Zubimendi and Partey would be on the bench.
However, from the way things are going, it looks like Partey is going to be sold as he wants a pay rise. He might be replaced by Lewis-Skelly and we could buy Hato for LB.
It all depends on our transfers this season.
TJ
Party is on and free as contract will end shortly
IMO MLS is more of a rice roll in the future as he seems to have a great engine and box to box
Timber would be my choice in the party role if we were stuck with the players we already have
Physically blessed to hold his own
Quick enough to get back
Can keep it ticking from back to front
Can take the ball under pressure
Defensively minded ready and break line for a dribble and run going forward
If Partey leaves, we should sign Mario Pasalic on a free tranfer to replace him. Experienced, tall, good passer and has an eye for goal, would do well to replace Partey for 2-3 seasons.
Why are people talking the mikel Merino is non-existent. Is he not a midfielder? What will be his role when everyone is fit? Certainly not a #9.
If Partey doesn’t renew, next year will be lost. No one from the current squad can adequately replace him. Whoever is acquired for his position will need time to integrate with the team and learn the way of playing. Arsenal is a team of tactics, not individual talent.
That’s why Arsenal have bought Zubimendi. He can do what Partey does, and possibly better.
Reply to Makoxi
I’d be hoping to see Partey start that first game v Manu, I wouldn’t want to bed new players in straight away, let them get used to the tactics and partners and whatnot. Hopefully, Partey will remain
Despite zubemendi arriver i still prefer party, now Another question is where will merino play
I predict Partey will be playing elsewhere. He will not relish reduced minutes and other teams will offer him a signing bonus on top of high wages as he is available on a free. Arsenal should sign him for 2 years because that is what he wants and will get that elsewhere. He has all the bargaining leverage. It will cost is millions to find a replacement – and no assurances we can find one that is as good as him. Management will be reticent to sign a 32 year old backup player to a 2+ year contract at FT wages. Plenty of teams that will and he would excel in slower paced leagues.
Zubemendi should partner with Partey in the mid field to make Arsenal strong.