Saliba: Zubimendi Looked Like a ‘Top Player’ from First Arsenal Training
Martin Zubimendi has been the surprise package for Arsenal this season, quickly proving himself as one of the standout performers in the Premier League.
The Gunners finally managed to secure the Spain international from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, following a long drawn out chase that dragged on for over a year.
Mikel Arteta & the team had worked tirelessly behind the scenes to finally get the release clause triggered, which allowed them to wrap the deal up early and get Zubimendi in for pre-season training from day one.
Instant Impact: Saliba Impressed from Day One
Even before he even made his competitive debut, Zubimendi was turning heads in training, and one of the first to spot his elite quality was Arsenal defender William Saliba – someone who knows all about adapting to English football.
In a chat with HaytersTV, Saliba said:
“The lad is top-notch. From the very first training session he had with us, we could all see that he was a top player. He looks like he’s completely at home with the ball at his feet – never looks like he’s under pressure. Off the ball as well, he’s like a magnet, always in the right place. He brings a calmness and composure to the team, and he’s threat from set pieces as well. It’s great for him, and great for us. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing because the bloke is a world-class player.”
Saliba’s endorsement says it all about Zubimendi’s ability to hold his own on the pitch, and his knack for dictating the play, qualities that have quickly made him a fan favourite at Arsenal.
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Zubimendi: Arsenal’s Best Signing of the Summer
After all the speculation and promises of an agreement in January 2025, Arsenal finally announced Zubimendi’s signing on July 6, 2025. And what a signing it’s proven to be – Zubimendi has consistently delivered world-class performances, and even surprised a few by chipping in with some vital goals.
His transition into the team has been seamless, which is saying something, and he’s arguably the standout signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Arsenal’s World-Class Spine Driving Title Ambitions
In football, it’s often said that success comes down to a strong spine, and Mikel Arteta has put one together at Arsenal that’s arguably the best in the league.
- David Raya has been boss in goal, saving Arsenal time and time again with his top-class shot-stopping.
- The partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back is one of the best, if not the best in the world.
- In midfield, Zubimendi and Declan Rice form the perfect partnership – offering control, energy and defensive solidity.
- Up front, captain Martin Odegaard pulls the strings with his creativity, while Viktor Gyokeres continues to prove a thorn in the side for opposing defenders.
This core group has been the driving force behind Arsenal’s strong season so far. If they’re going to lift the Premier League title or make a deep run in the Champions League, this spine will undoubtedly be the foundation of any success they have.
Zubimendi’s arrival has taken the team to a whole new level, and it was clear from day one of pre-season training that he’s exactly the kind of player who can make a real difference at this level.
Also Read: Arteta Hails Zubimendi as ‘Similar’ to Declan Rice After Chelsea Win
Saliba: Zubimendi Looked Like a ‘Top Player’ from First Arsenal Training