Fast start: Martin Zubimendi is at home in north London
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Martin Zubimendi has admitted it was a “big change” joining Arsenal this summer - but he already feels at home in north London.
Zubimendi moved to Arsenal from his boyhood club, Real Sociedad, during the most recent transfer window as part of a deal worth over £60million.
The midfielder had previously spent his whole career at Real Sociedad, coming through their youth ranks to star in the first team.
Zubimendi found it tough to leave, but he has made a fast start to life at Arsenal by scoring twice in his first five appearances.
“It’s been good,” he told Arsenal’s website. “I've settled in well because everyone has made it really easy for me.
“I’ve played in the Premier League but I also played a lot in pre-season which helped me too, and I think it’s reflected in my performances on the pitch.
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“I feel at ease and I’m really pleased with how things have gone. Coming to Arsenal is obviously a big change.
“It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about what might happen, but everything has gone very smoothly and naturally.
“People have treated me really well, and I think that's showing on the pitch too. This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for, one I wanted to make. Of course, it’s a big change, but I’m ready.
“I’ve always watched the Premier League. It’s a very challenging league with top players and teams.
“It was always on my mind [to play in the Premier League], and now that I’m here, it's also a test for me to see how I can perform in this league.”
Arsenal boast a number of Spanish-speaking players in their squad, including Mikel Merino - who Zubimendi played with at Real Sociedad.
They have helped him settle in England, and so has manager Mikel Arteta, who, like Zubimendi, is from the Basque region.
“The Spanish group has been very helpful because of the language barrier,” said Zubimendi.
“Three of us Spanish players have joined this year, which makes things easier, but I don’t want to focus just on the Spanish players. I’d like to learn English quickly and get to know everyone.
“I believe that everyone is making a genuine effort to help me naturally and without any fuss. I have to say that I’m really happy and it feels like I’ve been here longer than I actually have.
“I think Mikel understands my situation perfectly and is managing it in the best possible way.
“I could spend ages explaining it (Zubimendi’s role in the team) because he (Arteta) is a very detailed and demanding coach.
“But, all in all, I was playing a very similar style of football before, so I think I'll be able to adapt well here as well.”