Mikel Arteta names the Arsenal summer signing who has ‘surprised’ him
Mikel Arteta has named the Arsenal summer signing who has ‘surprised’ him since joining the club.
Arsenal backed Arteta with a productive and impressive transfer window, spending more than £250m on new signings.
Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie all arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
The new recruits appear to be having the desired effect, with Arsenal currently three points clear at the top of the Premier League and joint-top of the Champions League.
Arteta admits he was ‘very happy’ with Arsenal’s transfer window and has explained what has ‘surprised’ him about new midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal spent £60m to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, 12 months after the Spain international almost joining Premier League champions Liverpool.
Liverpool dropped out of the race to sign Zubimendi this summer but Arsenal faced competition from Real Madrid, who were keen to bring the Euro 2024 winner to the Bernabeu.
Asked about Zubimendi and pundits likening the Arsenal star to Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Arteta told Marca: ‘I don’t like comparisons.
‘I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he’s doing so. Since he’s arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that’s very difficult.
‘I’ve seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they’ve struggled; it’s taken them a year or two to become who they are.
‘The speed and naturalness with which he’s adapting is surprising.
‘We’ve given him confidence and a clear role, at all levels, including decisions we’ve made here with players who were there but are no longer here.
‘We gave him space. And then, he feels comfortable with our style; it suits his way of playing.’
Asked about the Real Madrid fans who feel aggrieved that Zubimendi ended up at Arsenal, Arteta added: ‘[Laughs] I can only say that… it’s good that we have him because he was a player that we needed to take a step forward as a team.’
Discussing Arsenal’s transfer window more generally, Arteta continued: ‘I’m happy with the signings.
‘We’ve had a very good transfer window, learning from the past, with profiles we didn’t have and needed, and now it’s a matter of making everything work and each one making the other better.’
Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 at the weekend to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners’ impressive form, Liverpool’s wobble and Manchester City’s inconsistency has made Arsenal the favourites to become English champions for the first time since 2004.
‘We take that pressure naturally,’ Arteta said when asked about Arsenal’s tag as Premier League favourites.
‘We’ve created high expectations through our work, and that’s part of elite football. Besides, these are things that arise outside the team and we can’t control them.
‘We focus more on the day-to-day, ensuring the team is heading in the direction it needs to be so that by April or May, when everything is decided, we’re ready.’
Arsenal put their Premier League title charge to one side on Tuesday when they return to Champions League action against Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico are currently fourth in La Liga, eight points behind leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
