Arteta has been full of praise for Zubimendi this season, particularly after seeing the Spain star score in the first leg of the Gunners' Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea. He told reporters afterwards: "We had the feeling at the end, after it became 3-1 and with the dominant period we had, that we had two massive chances to score the fourth. The result would have been very different, but in that moment, they had an action, they created a corner, they scored a goal, and it’s game on. That feeling, it’s not perfect, but we have to value what the team has done again.
"When we talk about Zubi, what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants. It's a bit similar to Declan's qualities. We just have to keep unlocking that in his system, in his brain, because he's so good at occupying different spaces. He’s carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels, and he has a talent when he gets into the final third and into the box. He's so composed. He sees the picture very clear. What he did today, it's phenomenal."