Martin Zubimendi: Arsenal’s new signing on how ‘top coach’ Mikel Arteta was key to transfer – ‘I wanted a quality coach’
Published 23/07/2025 at 11:19 GMT+1
Martin Zubimendi believes Mikel Arteta is one of the best coaches in Europe, as Arsenal prepare for the new Premier League season. The Spanish midfielder left Real Sociedad to join The Gunners for a reported £51 million transfer fee earlier this month, and now looks set to be a key part of their midfield for the upcoming campaign. He insists that he wanted to work under a top coach.
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Martin Zubimendi believes that Mikel Arteta is one of the best coaches in Europe ahead of his first Premier League campaign as an Arsenal player.
The Spanish midfielder joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad for a reported £51 million transfer fee earlier this month.
The 26-year-old was also linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, but he opted to join up with his compatriot Arteta in North London.
Zubimendi insists the Arsenal head coach’s quality was one of the key factors that attracted him to The Emirates.
"I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe," Zubimendi told reporters.
"At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I've found him.
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"In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one."
Arteta has transformed The Gunners from perennial underachievers to genuine title contenders since taking charge in 2019.
Zubimendi believes that the Arsenal manager can help him add to his game.
"I think I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before," he said.
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Zubimendi is one of a number of signings Arsenal have made this summer
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"Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things."
Arteta’s side are hoping to end a run of three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League this season and win their first English top-flight title since "The Invincibles" stormed to glory in the 2003/2004 campaign.
Zubimendi insists that his new club can challenge for major titles this term, including the UEFA Champions League.
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"I hope so," he added. "The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons.
"I think the lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets.
"Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League.
"I feel that Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG [Paris St-Germain], and they let it slip because of minor details.'
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