# Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Finalise Partey Exit as Two Midfield Replacements Lined Up

The latest **Arsenal transfer news** signals a definitive end to an era in the club’s midfield, as the Gunners have officially decided to part ways with Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian international’s contract is set to expire, and after talks over a new deal failed to reach a positive conclusion, he will leave the Emirates Stadium as a free agent. This strategic decision paves the way for a significant midfield overhaul, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are already in advanced stages to secure the services of two key replacements: Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Brentford’s Christian Norgaard.

Mikel Arteta and Sporting Director Edu Gaspar are moving decisively to reshape the squad’s engine room, addressing the long-standing issue of reliability that has hampered their title challenges. The departure of Partey, while marking the end of a chapter for a player of immense talent, is a clear statement of intent from the North London club to build a more robust and consistently available roster for the demanding seasons ahead.

### The End of the Thomas Partey Chapter

Thomas Partey arrived at Arsenal in October 2020 with huge expectations. The club triggered his €50 million release clause at Atlético Madrid on deadline day, a move celebrated by fans as the acquisition of a world-class, all-action midfielder who could dominate the Premier League. On his day, Partey was exactly that. His ability to break up play, drive forward with the ball, and deliver incisive passes made him a formidable presence at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. When fit, he was arguably one of the best in his position, providing the physical and technical foundation upon which Arteta’s system thrived.

However, the key phrase has always been “when fit.” Partey’s four-year tenure at the Emirates has been persistently plagued by injuries. A series of muscle issues, particularly thigh and groin problems, meant he was often unavailable for crucial stretches of the season. This unreliability became a significant source of frustration, forcing Arteta to constantly shuffle his midfield pack and disrupting the team’s rhythm. While he made valuable contributions, the inability to count on him for a full campaign ultimately led the club to this difficult but necessary decision. Freeing up his substantial wages allows for significant reinvestment, a crucial factor in the current **Arsenal transfer news** cycle.

## The Latest Arsenal Transfer News on Midfield Reinforcements

With Partey’s exit confirmed, Arsenal’s recruitment team has wasted no time in executing their succession plan. The focus is not on finding a single like-for-like replacement, but on acquiring two distinct profiles that will add depth, versatility, and, most importantly, availability to the midfield. Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have been identified as the prime targets to usher in this new era.

### The Long-Term Target: Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for several transfer windows, and it appears the club is finally closing in on their man. The 25-year-old Real Sociedad pivot is seen as the ideal deep-lying playmaker to partner with Declan Rice. Zubimendi is renowned for his exceptional football intelligence, positional discipline, and sublime passing range. He dictates the tempo of the game from deep, rarely misplacing a pass and showing an elite understanding of when to recycle possession and when to break the lines.

Arteta, who shares a similar footballing education from the Basque region, is known to be a huge admirer of Zubimendi’s style, which has drawn comparisons to that of Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso. According to reports, Arsenal are prepared to activate his reported €60 million release clause to avoid protracted negotiations with Real Sociedad. Securing Zubimendi would provide Arsenal with the world-class controller they have sought, a player who can provide the structural integrity and creative launchpad from deep, allowing players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to flourish further up the pitch. You can view his detailed player profile on Sky Sports.

### The Premier League Powerhouse: Christian Norgaard

While Zubimendi represents technical security, Christian Norgaard represents proven Premier League steel. The Brentford captain has been one of the league’s most underrated and effective defensive midfielders since the Bees’ promotion. The Dane is a combative, aggressive ball-winner who excels at breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the back four.

His leadership qualities and extensive experience in English football make him an attractive option for Arsenal. Norgaard would provide a different, more defensively robust profile to Zubimendi, giving Arteta tactical flexibility. He could be deployed in games requiring more physical dominance or as a late-game substitute to see out a result. His potential arrival for a more modest fee would be a shrewd piece of business, adding grit, depth, and a winning mentality to the squad. This two-pronged approach is the dominant theme in the current **Arsenal transfer news**, showing a desire for both silk and steel.

This midfield transformation is a clear indication that Arsenal is learning from the narrow misses of the past two seasons. By replacing one talented but injury-prone midfielder with two reliable and high-quality specialists, the club is building a squad capable of sustaining a challenge on all fronts. For more updates on this and other developing stories, check back with us for more news.