After coming second in back-to-back-to-back Premier League campaigns, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have enjoyed a terrific start to 2025/26 by winning six of their opening eight matches, drawing once and only losing to Liverpool – and the Spanish tactician has named the summer signing that has 'surprised' him since joining the Gunners.
The club's promising start to proceedings includes beating Manchester United, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest and many believe they have the biggest chance of knocking Arne Slot's men off their perch. At the time of writing, they are top with 19 points from eight matches.
The common conception with the north Londoners is that they should've been far more successful – especially in terms of lifting silverware – given how much they have spent on building one of the most well-rounded squads, not only in England but across Europe. And that's largely down to how much they've spent on players.
Arteta Names Arsenal's Summer Signing That Has 'Surprised' Him
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauding
In the summer just gone, Arteta – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – signed Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze to bolster his side's attacking depth. Elsewhere, young Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera arrived as a way of adding more numbers to their defensive ranks.
Perhaps their most important addition has been Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Not only has the 23-cap Spain international added a layer of steel to their engine room, but his arrival has given midfield partner Declan Rice the license to maraud forward and impact things in the final third.
Arteta spoke to Spanish outlet Marca recently, and he was quizzed about Zubimendi and whether his influence can be likened to that of Rodri and Manchester City. "I think Zubi has to make his own way, and he's doing so," the midfielder-turned-boss claimed. "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 so surprising."
Arteta, 43, also claimed that Arsenal's decision-makers have done all they can to make his transition from La Liga to the Premier League seamless, thus why the Arsenal boss has said that he 'feels comfortable' with the capital club's style of play.
martin zubimendi
"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," he said before adding, "We gave him space. And then, he feels comfortable with our style; it suits his way of playing."
Arteta was then quizzed about fans of Real Madrid fans and how they may feel aggrieved that Zubimendi picked Arsenal over the prospect of playing under Xabi Alonso in Spain. He said: "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."
Zubimendi's 25/26 Premier League Stats vs Arsenal Squad
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Crucial to how Arteta's men set up, Zubimendi has been somewhat indispensable since his £60 million move in July: he's started in every single one of Arsenal's eight matches in the Premier League and has played 180 minutes of football over two Champions League outings against Athletic Club and Olympiacos.
Disciplined in his role, the 26-year-old could be the final piece of the puzzle the Emirates Stadium faithful have been crying out for. Next up for Zubimendi and Co is welcoming Atletico Madrid to north London before doing the same for Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace in the Premier League next weekend.
All statistics per WhoScored – correct as of 21/10/2025