The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have lost the Premier League title and looked lethargic in games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.
However, in the Champions League, they’ve thrived and, thanks to a demolition job of Real Madrid home and away, are set to play just their third semi-final in history tomorrow night.
On top of that, recent reports have suggested that Thomas Partey could be set for a new deal, and the transfer of Martin Zubimendi remains a real possibility.
Undoubtedly, having the two midfielders would be a serious boon for Arsenal next year, although there’s another star in the squad worth more than both combined.
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Why Arsenal want Partey and Zubimendi
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want Partey and Zubimendi next year, and when it comes to the former, there are two key reasons.
The first reason is that, while he has endured some significant injury problems in the past, he’s been available for practically the entire campaign this year and has arguably been in the form of his Arsenal career.
For example, he’s made 47 appearances so far, in which he’s scored four goals, provided three assists, and, according to FBref, is in the top 4% of Premier League midfielders for successful take-on percentage, the top 6% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 7% for passes completed and more, all per 90.
However, as he’s set 32 in the summer and still has a miserable injury record, the club will need to add more quality to the number six position, which is where Zubimendi comes in.
The Real Sociedad star has been just as important to his team this year, making 43 appearances, in which he’s scored two goals and provided two assists.
Moreover, like the Gunners’ number five, the Spaniard also has some impressive underlying numbers, with FBref placing him in the top 7% of midfielders in La Liga for shots blocked, the top 9% for clearances, touches in the defensive third and successful take-on percentage, the top 16% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
In all, it would be fair to say that even at his age, Partey is worth his €14.7m – £12.5m – valuation given to him by Football Transfers, and Zubimendi is deserving of his €55.2m valuation, which comes to £46.9m.
Yet, despite their impressive campaigns, there is another Arsenal star worth millions more than them combined.
The Arsenal star worth millions more than Partey and Zubimendi
So, when it comes to the most valuable Arsenal players, most fans will understandably think of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
However, while they are worth enormous sums of money, the star in question is none other than Declan Rice.
The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth €116.4, which is about £99m, or £39.6m more than Partey and Zubimendi combined.
Now, that might seem like an awful lot of money for a central midfielder, but it would be hard to say it’s not warranted.
For example, in 47 appearances, the 26-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by podcaster and host Adam Keys, has scored seven goals and provided ten assists.
Inswinging Corner Kicks
2.78
Top 1%
Assists
0.26
Top 4%
Goals + Assists
0.43
Top 5%
Progressive Carries
2.76
Top 5%
Corner Kicks
3.16
Top 5%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.60
Top 6%
Crosses
4.70
Top 7%
Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 5% for goals plus assists, progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 7% for crosses and more, all per 90.
Moreover, there are certain intangible elements to his game, such as his leadership and ability to deal with the biggest occasions, that make him such an asset.
Ultimately, while Zubimendi and Partey would be incredibly useful players to have in the squad next season, we can’t see either one surpassing Rice as the club’s most important midfielder.
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