Arsenal have arrived in Singapore and are ready to step up preparations for their season opener against Manchester United.
The clash against AC Milan gave Mikel Arteta the chance to see his new signings in action with Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga both featuring.
Martin Zubimendi has impressed Arsenal’s coaches in training already and the midfielder looked calm and composed in his contributions to the game.
Arsenal have high hopes for Zubimendi this season after beating off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid but the Spanish star has now given his verdict on his new manager.
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Martin Zubimendi was convinced to sign for Arsenal by Mikel Arteta
Speaking to the Athletic, the Gunners’ new boy has spoken of his admiration for Arteta and revealed that he was a key factor in deciding to make the move to North London.
Zubimendi had an offer from Liverpool last summer and Real Madrid tried to hijack Arsenal’s move for the 26-year-old but he was adamant that Arteta was the right coach for him to progress.
Zubimendi stated: “I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe. I wanted a quality coach when I left Sociedad. I think I’ve found him.
“In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he is the one.”
With a number of experienced midfield departures this summer, the importance of Zubimendi’s role at the Gunners has already increased.
He is likely to be the starter at the base of midfield and will have to control games with his intelligence and wonderful range of passing.
The Spaniard also has the responsibility of allowing the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to have the freedom to get forward without worrying about the danger behind.
What Mikel Arteta has said about Martin Zubimendi
His manager has returned the compliments given by Zubimendi and has been very ‘impressed’ with the impact his new £51m signing has already made on the team.
Arteta stated: “When you have him every single day, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it’s very impressive.”
Zubimendi has formed an excellent partnership with Mikel Merino in the national team and that is something that the Gunners are well aware of moving forward.
Merino impressed last season in his more advanced role but was brought to the club as an industrious, physical central midfielder.
It could be a partnership we see more often next season, especially in games where the Gunners may surrender possession a bit more than they usually do.
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