Arsenal star moves closer to Emirates exit; Gunners eyeing move for Mikel Merino's ex-teammate to replace him: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Mikel Merino's former teammate Martin Zubimendi to replace Thomas Partey. As per TEAMtalk, the Ghana international is set to leave the Gunners at the end of the season on a free transfer.
Partey has already entered the final year of his deal at the Emirates, with Arsenal reportedly yet to offer him an extension. The report claims that the midfield dynamo will likely depart the north London giants after his contract expires.
The Ghanaian has been linked with an exit from the Emirates over the last two seasons but a move never materialized. The 31-year-old is reportedly wanted by Saudi Arabian sides as well as by Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
It has been claimed that clubs from Saudi Arabia have been in touch with Partey's agents since June. Arsenal have reportedly already started their pursuit for a suitable replacement and have identified Martin Zubimendi as the ideal candidate.
The Gunners raided Real Sociedad this summer for Mikel Merino and are now reportedly eyeing a move for his former midfield partner. Zubimendi was close to joining Liverpool this summer but ended up staying at his boyhood club.
Zubimendi is regarded very highly across Europe which is evident from the interest in his services. The 25-year-old came through the youth ranks of Real Sociedad and has made 194 appearances for the club so far while earning 12 caps for Spain.
Partey, on the other hand, joined Arsenal in 2020 in a reported £45 million deal from Atletico Madrid. He has featured 119 times for the Gunners so far and has played every minute across competitions this season.
Veteran Arsenal star hails wonderkid who made history in the Premier League
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho hailed youngster Ethan Nwaneri following the 17-year-old's excellent cameo off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. The teenager came on to replace Bukayo Saka in the 86th minute to help the Gunners secure a 1-0 win in the North London Derby.
The wonderkid has also traveled with the north London giants to Italy to face Atalanta in their UEFA Champions League opener. Jorginho has hailed the promising midfielder for his rapid progress over the last few years.
The former Chelsea midfielder said, as quoted by Metro:
“He’s growing a lot and improving every single day. He’s got incredible talent. He can dribble, break lines, find the goal and deliver key passes. If he continues working like this, he has a very bright future ahead of him."
Nwaneri holds the record for being the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League. He was given his debut by Mikel Arteta on 18 September 2022 in a 3-0 win against Brentford.