Arsenal are preparing for one of the most decisive weeks in their history
05:00, 05 May 2026
Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal lines up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Martin Zubimendi says he has changed this season at Arsenal(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi has revealed how he has evolved since joining the club, while a rival side has entered the race alongside the Gunners for a highly-rated forward.
Mikel Arteta and his players stand on the brink of unprecedented glory this season. The north Londoners currently sit atop the Premier League standings with a six-point advantage and three matches remaining, though second-placed Manchester City have two games in hand.
The 3-0 victory over Fulham at the weekend marked a potentially statement win, suggesting this could be the season Arsenal finally overcome their demons and end their 22-year drought for the league title.
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There is further cause for optimism from the Gunners' standpoint as they face Atletico Madrid in a Champions League semi-final second-leg on Tuesday evening, with the victor securing passage to the final. For Arsenal, it is a chance to lift the European trophy for the first time in the club's history and potentially secure a historic double.
They will then focus on a crucial league visit to West Ham. Now, football.london examines two of the latest developments concerning Arteta's side ahead of a monumental week in their history.
Martin Zubimendi's admission
Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England.
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Zubimendi joined the Gunners last summer(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Zubimendi says he has become a "different player" since joining Arsenal last summer. The Spaniard is the only outfield player to have featured in every league fixture for the Gunners this term, underlining his importance since his £51million transfer from Real Sociedad.
Many expected that the 27-year-old would sit at the base of midfield and keep things ticking over when he was brought in. But Zubimendi has demonstrated far more versatility, thriving as a ball-winning No.8 and even scoring six goals - his best return in a season to date.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website about how he has adapted his game since arriving in England, Zubimendi said: "Once I joined the club I realised that I had a lot to learn; Mikel’s a coach who's seen a lot, who's learnt a lot and who's studied a lot. You can see that since I've joined the club I've become a different player.
"We work really hard, all of our training sessions have tactical, technical and strategic aspects. Ultimately, repetition leads to perfection, and that's what we're trying to achieve."
Liverpool re-join race for Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola of PSG runs with the ball during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Nantes at Parc des Princes on April 22, 2026 in Paris, France.
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Liverpool are still interested in signing Arsenal target Bradley Barcola(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have reportedly re-entered the race to sign Arsenal target Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Gunners have been linked with the Frenchman for several years and are tipped to strengthen their left-wing options during the upcoming transfer window.
Given Barcola is still only 23, an experienced international star and desperate for more game time, Arsenal remain a suitable destination for the rapid winger. However, TeamTalk reports that the Gunners could face stiff competition from rivals Liverpool in the race for his signature.
According to the report, PSG rejected approaches from Liverpool in March, having been unwilling to sanction his departure at the time. Yet, it claims the French champions have since reconsidered their position, placing him back on Liverpool's radar, with his representatives now exploring potential options.
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Barcola has contributed 12 goals and seven assists so far this season, having recorded 42 goal involvements last campaign as PSG secured a historic treble.
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