Arteta praised his summer signing as his best player

By Martin Graham

Martin Zubimendi has shortly earned exceptional reward from Mikel Arteta, regardless of solely becoming a member of Arsenal a number of months in the past. Following a slender 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in October, the Arsenal supervisor revealed that Palace ahead Jean-Philippe Mateta had been assigned to trace what he described as his aspect’s “prime participant”.

The remark could not have drawn widespread consideration on the time, however it underlined the excessive regard during which Arteta holds the midfielder. Since arriving from Actual Sociedad in July 2025 for £60m, Zubimendi has persistently validated that confidence.

Affect measured in minutes and targets

The 27-year-old has featured greater than another outfield participant within the squad this season, underlining his significance. Whereas primarily recruited to anchor the midfield, he has additionally made a notable contribution in entrance of aim.

With six strikes in 34 matches, he has already recorded the best scoring tally of his profession in a single marketing campaign. That output has added one other dimension to his sport, going past the defensive obligations he was initially anticipated to fulfil.

Lengthy-term planning rewarded

Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi was not sudden. The groundwork for his switch started a 12 months earlier than his transfer, when discussions first came about throughout negotiations to signal his former Sociedad colleague Mikel Merino in the summertime of 2024.

Introduced in for his distribution, tactical consciousness and expertise of lifting main honours, the Spain worldwide had already demonstrated his pedigree on the most important stage. He was a key determine as Spain overcame England within the Euro 2024 remaining.

His presence has additionally benefited Declan Rice, who has been afforded larger freedom to affect matches additional up the pitch.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author