How Thomas Partey Compares to Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal Reportedly Agree Summer Transfer

• Arsenal have reportedly secured a verbal agreement with Martin Zubimendi, with only a formal announcement pending
• The Gunners are expected to activate his €60 million (£51m/$68m) release clause to seal the deal in the summer
• With Thomas Partey likely to depart this summer, YEN.com.gh takes a closer look at how Zubimendi's stats stack up against the Ghanaian this season

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A new era is on the horizon at Arsenal, with reports suggesting the club has reached a verbal agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has long been on the Gunners’ radar, and it now appears he has given his word to join Mikel Arteta’s side this summer.

All that remains is for Arsenal to activate his £50.8 million release clause, which would make Zubimendi the first signing under the new sporting director Andrea Berta, per Goal.

Zubimendi's impending arrival signals a potential shift in Arsenal’s midfield, particularly as Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the season.

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While Partey has arguably had one of his best campaigns in North London, the Spain international’s profile offers Arsenal a younger and more consistent option moving forward.

But how does the Real Sociedad man stack up statistically against the Ghana midfielder?

Using data from FBref for the 2024-25 domestic season, YEN.com.gh has a deep dive comparing their performances this season.

Partey vs Zubimendi attacking comparison

Both Zubimendi and Partey have made 32 domestic appearances during the 2024-25 season.

Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League with 64 goals, have outscored Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad by double; the Spanish club sits mid-table in La Liga with only half that tally.

In terms of direct goal contributions, Partey leads with four goals and two assists, while Zubimendi has contributed two goals and one assist. '

However, the Spaniard is slightly more accurate when it comes to shooting, hitting the target with 33.3% of his 18 attempts compared to Partey’s 27.8%.

Partey also edges out Zubimendi in shot-creating actions, averaging 2.07 per 90 minutes to Zubimendi’s 1.41.

Both players are effective at progressing the ball, but Zubimendi’s successful take-on rate of 66.7% matches Partey’s, placing both in the upper tier of midfield ball-carriers.

Partey vs Zubimendi defensive comparison

Zubimendi is known for his defensive work, and this season he has made 70 tackles—10 fewer than Partey—but lags slightly in win percentage. Partey has won 61.2% of his challenges, while Zubimendi stands at 52.9%.

When it comes to dribblers tackled, Zubimendi leads narrowly with a 63.6% success rate, bettering Partey’s 61.1%.

The Real Sociedad man has also contributed more clearances (74 vs. 48), interceptions (39 vs. 36), and blocks (39 vs. 30). He has committed three errors leading to shots, compared to Partey's four.

Zubimendi edges ahead in ball recoveries too, notching 131 against Partey’s 123.

These numbers paint the Spaniard as a high-volume defensive contributor, perhaps a result of Sociedad’s more defensive structure relative to Arsenal’s high-possession approach.

Partey vs Zubimendi all-around play comparison

Zubimendi stands 5ft 11in and wins 61.7% of his aerial duels—superior to Partey’s 54.2%. Despite his relatively modest height, he is strong in the air, an important trait for midfielders in physical contests.

However, Partey retains the upper hand in passing, boasting an 87.3% completion rate compared to Zubimendi’s 83.2%.

The Spaniard has struggled slightly with short passing consistency, failing to reach a 90% success rate in that department.

Discipline-wise, Zubimendi has committed 41 fouls, just one more than Partey, indicating both are similarly aggressive in midfield battles.

Arsenal told to offload Partey

Earlier, YEN.com.gh calls for Arsenal to offload Partey following their Champions League exit.

A veteran London-based journalist argued that the Gunners must revamp their midfield, citing Partey's recent blunders as justification for moving in a new direction.

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Source: YEN.com.gh