Mikel Arteta is clearly delighted by the addition of Martin Zubimendi to his Arsenal team, with the Spaniard being one of the best summer signings in the Premier League.
After just six months in N5, Zubimendi is already one of the best midfielders in Europe, with the 26-year-old helping to transform Arsenal’s team.
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Zubimendi has brought the best out of Declan Rice by allowing him to play in a more advanced role, whilst he sits in a more defensive midfield role.
The Gunners have really missed a player like the Spanish international, so it’s no wonder that Arteta has been so happy with his performances.
Mikel Arteta can’t believe how quickly Martin Zubimendi has adapted to the Premier League
Mikel Arteta cannot believe how quickly Martin Zubimendi has settled into life in the Premier League this season.
Last summer, the Gunners completed one of the best Premier League signings by agreeing to pay Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause.
Liverpool tried and failed to sign Zubimendi the summer prior, but the midfielder appeared only interested in signing for Arsenal.
The Arsenal boss has also spoken about how well-balanced he has helped the midfield to become, with Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze all bringing something different.
When asked about Zubimendi and how much of a revelation he has been for Arsenal, Arteta told TNT Sports: “I think Martin obviously has the qualities, and we have other qualities around him in the midfield as well.
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“I think they complement his qualities and his deficiencies as well, but you know how difficult it is to actually do it in this league immediately, but I think he’s been exceptional.”
There’s no doubting that Arsenal wouldn’t be flying quite as high as they currently are without the Spaniard, who has just taken this team to a new level.
Arsenal must sign cover for Martin Zubimendi
But that is also why Arsenal cannot afford to lose him to a long-term issue and must sign cover for him to protect him against a potential injury.
Zubimendi has looked shattered over recent matches, but Arteta has continued to play him, as he has very few options to replace him with.
It’s clear that Arteta does not trust Christian Norgaard in midfield, meaning Andrea Berta should be looking to bring a new number six to the Emirates Stadium in January.
The North London club also need a rotation option for Rice, which should make a new midfielder the top priority when the window reopens.
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