Mikel Arteta names the Arsenal summer signing who has ‘surprised’ him | Football

Mikel Arteta has named the Arsenal summer signing who has ‘surprised’ him since joining the club.

Arsenal backed Arteta with a productive and impressive transfer window, spending greater than £250m on latest signings.

Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie all arrived on the Emirates Stadium.

The brand new recruits seem like having the specified effect, with Arsenal currently three points clear at the highest of the Premier League and joint-top of the Champions League.

Arteta admits he was ‘very joyful’ with Arsenal’s transfer window and has explained what has ‘surprised’ him about latest midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal spent £60m to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, 12 months after the Spain international almost joining Premier League champions Liverpool.

Liverpool dropped out of the race to sign Zubimendi this summer but Arsenal faced competition from Real Madrid, who were keen to bring the Euro 2024 winner to the Bernabeu.

Asked about Zubimendi and pundits likening the Arsenal star to Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Arteta told Marca: ‘I don’t like comparisons.

‘I feel ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he’s doing so. 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, they usually’ve struggled; it’s taken them a yr or two to change into who they’re.

‘The speed and naturalness with which he’s adapting is surprising.

‘We’ve given him confidence and a transparent role, in any respect levels, including decisions we’ve made here with players who were there but aren’t any longer here.

‘We gave him space. After which, he feels comfortable with our style; it suits his way of playing.’

Asked concerning the Real Madrid fans who feel aggrieved that Zubimendi ended up at Arsenal, Arteta added: ‘[Laughs] I can only say that… it’s good that we’ve got him because he was a player that we would have liked to take a step forward as a team.’

Discussing Arsenal’s transfer window more generally, Arteta continued: ‘I’m joyful with the signings.

‘We’ve had a superb transfer window, learning from the past, with profiles we didn’t have and needed, and now it’s a matter of constructing all the things work and every one making the opposite higher.’

Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 on the weekend to increase their lead at the highest of the Premier League.

The Gunners’ impressive form, Liverpool’s wobble and Manchester City’s inconsistency has made Arsenal the favourites to change into English champions for the primary time since 2004.

‘We take that pressure naturally,’ Arteta said when asked about Arsenal’s tag as Premier League favourites.

‘We’ve created high expectations through our work, and that’s a part of elite football. Besides, these are things that arise outside the team and we are able to’t control them.

‘We focus more on the day-to-day, ensuring the team is heading within the direction it must be in order that by April or May, when all the things is set, we’re ready.’

Arsenal put their Premier League title charge to at least one side on Tuesday once they return to Champions League motion against Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico are currently fourth in La Liga, eight points behind leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid.

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