Arsenal have ‘high hopes’ for one specific player this season after starting their pre-season tour

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Arsenal kick off their pre-season tour of Asia with a clash against European giants AC Milan in Singapore.

Supporters will be keen to get a glimpse of how the squad are shaping up following the summer break with Mikel Arteta keen to use a blend of established first-team stars and youth.

Max Dowman and Marli Salmon could be in line to feature after being named in Arsenal’s 30-man squad for the tour.

New signings Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga will get their first opportunities in an Arsenal shirt, whilst one player has already caught the eye upon the return to training.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were genuinely really scared about ‘brilliant’ player earlier this summer

Martin Zubimendi looking to impress for Arsenal in pre-season

Speaking on ‘The Football Reporters’ podcast, journalist James Olley has stated that the Gunners have ‘high hopes’ for new signing Martin Zubimendi this season.

Arteta has been impressed with Zubimendi during the first few days of training and the midfielder will now be looking to carry that form onto the pitch.

Olley stated: “There’s a lot of focus on Martin Zubimendi. It was a real coup to get him over the line, Liverpool were very keen on him. Man City looked at him as well. There’s high hopes for him after having a full pre-season.”

The 26-year-old is expected to make his debut against AC Milan in the upcoming friendly match and will encounter his first North London Derby whilst on tour.

With a number of midfield departures at the club this summer, Zubimendi will now become the main man in the number six role, allowing Declan Rice to continue to thrive in the more advanced role.

What Martin Zubimendi will bring to Arsenal’s midfield

Zubimendi impressed for his country once again this summer following his performances in the Nations League.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder proved that he is not moving to North London as simply a player that is neat and tidy in front of the back four and senses danger.

Zubimendi can help Arsenal offensively too, with the player having a real eye for a forward pass between the lines.

Players such as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka will be licking their lips at the prospect of playing with Zubimendi as they take up their clever positions between defence and midfield.

It will allow Arsenal to progress up the pitch quicker and find gaps in the opposition back line more frequently – a major problem for Arteta’s side last season.