Arsenal’s capture of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been hailed as the ‘signing of the summer’ by former Gunners defender Philippe Senderos.
Mikel Arteta’s side saw off strong competition from Real Madrid to sign Zubimendi in a deal worth up to £60 million back in early July.
Liverpool had wanted to sign the Euros winner the summer before, but the 26-year-old opted to remain with his boyhood club for one more season before agreeing a deal with Arsenal after talks with Arteta.
And while some high-profile summer signings have been slow out of the gate this season, Zubimendi has taken to the rigours of Premier League football like a duck to water.
The Spaniard has been virtually ever-present at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, helping to dictate play alongside Declan Rice as well as chipping in with three goal contributions.
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His performances have helped the north London side establish a four-point lead heading into the November international break, with Senderos certain that the midfielder has proved the smartest pick-up of the summer transfer window.
Asked if Zubimendi has been Arsenal’s best signing, he told AceOdds: ‘All of the new players have had an impact, but Zubimendi is the one for me who has had the most impact.
‘He has really helped to balance the midfield and the squad. He has allowed Declan Rice to have a bit more freedom to make his runs, and that is what Declan Rice likes to do.
‘He doesn`t like to sit down and Zubimendi is that type of player. He has aggression and can move the ball very intelligently as well. He has been a fantastic signing for Arsenal and has added a lot to the squad.’
Viktor Gyokeres was another big-money signing by the Gunners over the summer, and, while the Swede has not earned universal praise so far, Senderos is encouraged by what he has seen from Arsenal’s new talisman.
‘I think Gyokeres’ movement has been impressive,’ he said. ‘He will continue to make those runs and move like this.
‘It is not easy to be a number nine at Arsenal because it comes with a lot of responsibility, but we will see many goals from him.
‘He will get the service, but of course it takes time to adapt to the Premier League. He will still have to find his feet, but we have seen some important goals already and it looks like he fits very well with the rest of the squad.’
Arteta, meanwhile, is another who has rushed to praise Zubimendi’s impact on his side, with the Arsenal boss admitting he was ‘surprised’ by how quickly the Spaniard has adapted to English football.
‘Since he’s arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that’s very difficult,’ Arteta told Marca.
‘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.’
After his international break with Spain, Zubimendi will return to club duty for a crucial week of action that sees the Gunners face Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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