Forget Viktor Gyokeres, Gary Neville claims Arsenal made another ‘important’ signing this summer

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Arsenal had a productive summer transfer window, which is already starting to pay off when it comes to action on the pitch.

The Gunners have made a decent start to the Premier League season, picking up nine points out of a possible 12 on offer.

The latest of those saw Arsenal thrash Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium, as the team clicked back into top gear on their return from the international break.

There have been some impressive displays for Mikel Arteta so far, especially from some of his newer stars in the team.

While Viktor Gyokeres’ goals have already captured the attention of many, there is another Arsenal star who Gary Neville thinks is just as important.

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Gary Neville claims Martin Zubimendi is just as important to Arsenal as Viktor Gyokeres

For the past two seasons, plenty of discussion has surrounded Arsenal’s need for a clinical striker in their ranks.

They finally seem to have that Viktor Gyokeres, but perhaps he wasn’t the only piece of the puzzle missing.

The midfield had issues at times last season, not least when it came to receiving from the backline and progressing the ball through the middle.

The signing of Martin Zubimendi looked to fix just that, as the Spaniard joined and added his ability to keep possession ticking over.

It was a move that, for Neville, was crucial, as he said on the Gary Neville Podcast: “I actually thought he [Zubimendi] was as important to sign as Viktor Gyokeres.

“I saw Arsenal last season, I thought there were moments where Jorginho played where he just pops balls through lines, I’m not sure Declan Rice and Partey [could do that].

“It’s interesting how Rice is now being used by Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel in that advanced role. I actually think that’s where Rice should be.

“Zubimendi, I thought they really needed that type of player, Arsenal. Receive it and pop it through to Odegaard a bit quicker, break the lines.

“I wasn’t expecting him to score a volley or a header at the back post like we got yesterday, but that’s the quality of him, he’s got great technical ability.”

Zubimendi has made quite the start to life at Arsenal so far, contributing in several phases of play already.

The Gunners will be hoping that continues as he looks to be the beating heart of the team in those central spaces.

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Martin Zubimendi will help Arsenal on the European stage

There were plenty of question marks surrounding how well Zubimendi would adjust to the Premier League.

So far, the early signs point towards things going well, as the midfielder has settled and is already pulling the strings for the Gunners.

However, where he may end up shining even more is in the Champions League.

Arsenal are back in European action over midweek, as this season’s league phase of the competition starts up once again.

Given the less physical side to other European leagues, it may be a chance for Zubimendi to really assert himself as the star he is.

The North London side came so close to reaching the final last season, and with the new addition available, he could make all the difference this time around.