Partey is heading for the exit door but guess who will be coming in

 By Danong

In recent days, it has emerged that Arsenal’s new contract offer—reportedly retaining his current wages—has not convinced the Ghana international, who is believed to be holding out for improved terms.

With his departure anticipated, Arsenal are now considering following up the Martín Zubimendi swoop with another midfield addition.

Several high-level midfielders have been linked, but one name standing out is Sevilla’s 22-year-old Lucien Agoumé.

It is not his relatively modest £20 million price tag that makes him so appealing.

It is the fact that, should Partey leave, Agoumé is quite capable to step in and share the workload alongside Zubimendi.

In Agoumé, Mikel Arteta might finally find the Moisés Caicedo-style midfielder he once believed the team desperately needed.

Why compare Agoumé to Caicedo? FBref uses statistical profiling to show how closely players match in terms of output and style—and in Agoumé’s case, he is remarkably similar to Caicedo.

Their underlying numbers tell the story. Both players rank closely in several key areas per 90 minutes: non-penalty expected goals and assists, expected assists, tackles, blocks, progressive carries and passes, and goal-creating actions.

According to FBref, Agoumé completes 87 percent of his passes when under pressure, slightly ahead of Caicedo’s 84.9 percent—an indication of his composure and quick decision-making under duress.

In terms of forward momentum, both average over five progressive passes per 90 minutes (Agoumé: 5.74; Caicedo: 5.78), highlighting their value in transitioning play from deep.

Defensively, Agoumé exhibits stronger ball-winning instincts: more blocks (1.55 vs. 0.83), more clearances (1.74 vs. 0.89), and more tackles and interceptions (3.48 vs. 2.89) per 90 minutes last season.

Yet Agoumé is also seen as a future elite number six due to his ability to control tempo, read play, distribute progressively, manipulate the ball under pressure, retain possession reliably, and duel effectively—both on the ground and in the air.

He is an all-action midfielder, and there is reason to believe he could handle the number eight role just as well.

In Agoumé, Arsenal may not just be getting the Caicedo they once chased—they may be landing a more complete, hybrid version of the South American.

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. 

Midfielder's agent traveled to London to meet Andrea Berta

 By 1970s Gooner 

It seems that Arsenal and Andrea Berta in particular are not only looking to bring players in that would be starters but they are also looking to sign very promising younger players that will be ready to challenge for first team places.

One such player is 18 year old Christos Mouzakitis who in his breakthrough season has been a first team regular putting in performances of high quality in the Greek league for Olympiakos.

It is reported in the Greek press that his agent has already had talks in London with Andrea Berta

Villareal from Spain have reportedly offered 18m euro and Girona who belongs to Man City's Group of companies is also interested. 

Two stumbling blocks: Man City may encourage Girona to buy the player and will probably have first choice if he proves his worth with them in the Spanish league.

The second block is that Olympiacos' owner is Marinakis who may prefer to sell the player to, a club he also owns, Nottingham Forest instead.

Transfermarkt values the 18 year old at 12m euro.

Arsenal in discusions with RB Leipzig over payment structure re Sesco transfer

 By 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal have been in discussions with RB Leipzig's executive Marcel Schäfer with Andrea Berta in London a few days ago.

It has been reported today by journalist Florian Plettenburg of Sky Sports in Germany that negotiations have already began and that a payment structure is under discussion. 

Apparently it is not clear if Arsenal are able to afford the full package of meeting the 80m euro release clause. 

Let's hope everything is sorted out and we get our man.

Is this the lineup that ensures Arsenal end the season in the only way they know—winning?

By Danong 

For the last time in the 2024-25 season, Arsenal take to the field, facing Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium.  

The Gunners are expected to dispatch Southampton and close their campaign in style, but they must approach this game with seriousness.  

Southampton have caused Arsenal problems in the past. In their last five meetings, the Gunners have won twice, drawn twice, and suffered one defeat.  

Despite their relegation, Southampton recently held Manchester City to a goalless draw, proving they are capable of spoiling Arsenal’s party.  

Even so, they will find it difficult—especially if Mikel Arteta fields a strong lineup.  

The Arsenal boss will have to approach this fixture without his strongest defensive trio. Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, and William Saliba are all out injured, joining Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the treatment table.  

Other than Jesus, it is Arsenal’s backline that has suffered the most from injuries.  

However, the defensive partnership of Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior proved highly effective against a tough Newcastle side.  

The duo injected pace into Arsenal’s build-up play, with Kiwior looking sharp and Calafiori roaming confidently in possession, ensuring the team remained in control.

The pair can be trusted to handle Southampton, with Ben White at right back and Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left.

In midfield, Thomas Partey—who Mikel Arteta recently confirmed is set to be offered a new deal—will start as the number six.  

Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, last match’s goal-scoring hero, are expected to provide creativity for Arsenal’s attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.  

Havertz could finally make his first start since winter, offering a chance to showcase what Arsenal have been missing.  

 Arsenal’s strongest lineup against Southampton  

Raya

White, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly  

Partey, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Havertz, Martinelli  

If this lineup does not secure a convincing win against Southampton, it’s hard to imagine what would.  

What do you think?

Big return for crucial clash: is this the Arsenal lineup to beat Newcastle and secure second place?

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

The battle for second place in the Premier League unfolds today as Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.

Winless in their last four games, Arsenal need to shake off their poor form. But can they do so against a side they haven't beaten in their last three encounters? Can they overcome a Newcastle team desperate to keep their place in the top four?

Paul Merson, sharing his predictions for Arsenal versus Newcastle, can't see how Arsenal fail to win this game. 

He believes their hunger to secure second place—fuelled by their spirited comeback against Liverpool and the disappointment of their Champions League exit—has them fully focused on the task at hand. In his view, Gooners can look forward to a 3-1 victory.

Gooners will be hoping the team can step up and finally deliver something to smile about after weeks of frustration.

For that to happen, Mikel Arteta needs to get his tactics right especially on how to counteract the aggressive Newcastle press in the middle of the park.

He must of course nail his selection, ensuring Arsenal field their strongest available eleven. With no other obligations and the season drawing to a close, there's nothing to lose.

Kai Havertz has returned to training this week, putting himself in contention for a start on Sunday. 

His availability is a massive boost, though it's doubtful that Arteta will throw him straight into the starting lineup. Meanwhile, there are lingering fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

As important as Havertz is, it’s unlikely he’ll be risked from the outset. Arteta could still opt for Leandro Trossard up front, with Havertz introduced as an impact substitute. 

He could of course start Martinelli in the number 9 position considering how well he played there at Anfield.

Additionally if Rice is fit then he should start considering the importance of this match in getting into the Champions League as well as finishing in second second place.

However if he is not fit then with Merino serving his one match ban, Arteta may need to consider MLS starting as a midfielder with either Tierney or Zinchenko at left back.

MLS would be more adept at countering the physicality that the Newcastle midfield will offer.

If this scenario materialises then this would be the line up:

Raya
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney
Ødegaard, Partey, MLS
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard

Otherwise with Rice as an 8 and the team below, Arsenal will prove to be too strong for Newcastle. 

Raya
Timber (White), Saliba, Kiwior, MLS
Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard

Prediction: 3-1

Praise and even stats can't help but portray this Gunner as an 'absolute find

 By Danong

With no silverware to crown their season, Gooners don’t have much to smile about. However, beyond this rather disappointing campaign, there are still one or two positives to take away.  

One such source of joy is the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly.  

Ahead of this season, few would have predicted that Lewis-Skelly would be the breakout star from Hale End.  

All odds were on Ethan Nwaneri to take that mantle, but as impressive as he has been, Lewis-Skelly has outshone him.  

Though naturally a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly has been introduced into the senior team as a left-back, and he has taken to the role seamlessly.

He has delivered standout performances as a full-back and has even gone on to revive the inverted full-back role—something few Gunners, aside from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, have managed to master.  

On The Overlap, when asked about his Young Player of the Season, Gary Neville said:  

"I’ll go for Lewis-Skelly. When you watch him play, it looks like he has been there forever—just the way in which he has slotted in there.  

"I think he is an absolute find, an unbelievable talent, and his temperament is fantastic.  

"On the ball, the way he dribbles past people mesmerises me. It shouldn’t be happening, really, at any age, let alone that age."

As good as Lewis-Skelly has been, his statistics truly put into perspective what an incredible footballer he is.  

Despite this being his first season in the top flight, Lewis-Skelly has managed to top several Premier League charts.  
Among all outfield players who have played at least 1,000 minutes this term, he is one of only two who have not been dribbled past.

He also boasts the highest ground duel win rate among full-backs this season. His 73.3 percent success rate puts him a full 10 percent clear of Joško Gvardiol and Patrik Dorgu, who are both tied at 63 percent.  

When has Myles Lewis-Skelly not impressed in his 38 appearances for Arsenal this season? When has he not been up for a fight?  

Aside from his poor outing at Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain and perhaps his sending off against West Ham United, he has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season.  

The 18-year-old has truly made the left-back position his own. However, given that he is originally a midfielder, it will be intriguing to see if he transitions back to his natural role.  

That said, I wouldn’t worry about it. Given how effortlessly he has settled into this Arsenal team, whether he plays at left-back or in midfield, I trust he can deliver.