Arteta’s "new midfield" is the real Grand Theft Auto and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise

 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 almost 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.

The real reason Real Madrid are confident of snatching Zubimendi from Arsenal

 By 1970s Gooner

Martin Zubimendi had an excellent game last night against the eventual winners of the Nations League, Portugal.

I made a point of watching, when it was possible, Zubimendi play for Real Sociedad in La Liga. He is a very disciplined player who very rarely makes a wrong pass and keeps his position on the base of midfield dilligently.

He also does two more things that will be important for Arsenal or indeed any other team.

He drops back to receive the ball from the goalie and bring it out of the press without fail which releases other more attacking midfielders to move in more forward and thus promising positions.

The other attribute he has and which last night was the first time I've seen him do it is the ease and confidence he can move himself forward with the ball from defence to the final third of the pitch.

No wonder Real want to hijack his move to Arsenal. This is despite every pundit,  journalist and supposedly those in the know stating that this was almost a done deal and all that was left to do was the medical!

Well it ain't so.

And the real reason for this is that Arsenal have only got an agreement with Zubimendi's club which entails meeting the release clause of 51m euros, a clause that they have to honour. They do not have a watertight agreement with the player.

On the contrary, and judging by Zubimendi's recent eulogy with regard to his old coach Xabi Alonso, he is having second thoughts. Like he did last season with choosing not to move to Liverpool.

So the scene is set. Arsenal are pushing him to undergo the medical and he is probably waiting for Real to make their move. If they also meet the release clause then the chances of him moving to Arsenal are slim.

If however Real try to negotiate a lower fee than the release clause then Zubimendi will be squeezed from both sides. His club will be pushing him to choose Arsenal and Real will be urging him to declare his preference for them.

Watch this space...

Karetsas, dubbed the new Messi, admits interest from Arsenal

 By 1970s Gooner 

Konstantinos Karetsas, the 17-year-old Greek footballer making waves in Belgium, addressed, through his entourage, the recent rumors linking him to Arsenal. 

Greek sports site SDNA clarified that while there has been interest from Arsenal and other clubs there have been no significant discussions between the two sides nor of the reported 45m euro valuation. 

He emphasized his commitment to Genk, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the club has provided and his desire to continue developing there.

Karetsas highlighted the importance of focusing on his current team and avoiding distractions from transfer speculations. 

He acknowledged the allure of playing in the Premier League but he and his family consider that for the moment staying at Genk is the best planned path for his growth at this stage of his career.

The young midfielder's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and while the future holds many possibilities, Karetsas remains grounded, prioritizing his development and contributions to Genk and the Greek national team. 

Gabriel deal agreed. These are the terms

 By 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal have agreed a deal with Gabriel Magalhaes and will announce his contract extension next week.

The Brazilian international defender has completed talks with the Gunners to extend his contract by two more years, until the summer of 2029.

The 27-year-old ace is a key player in Mikel Arteta's plans and the management will reward him with a new contract, increasing his annual salary from six to eight million euros. 

The Brazilian centre-back suffered a serious ankle injury in April and has missed the last 12 games. He was injured in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham, with his absence a major blow to Arsenal's title aspirations.

Gabriel joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020 from Lille and since then has made 160 appearances, scored 17 goals and helped keep 57 clean sheets.