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.