Such praise underlines why Arsenal have invested more than £50million to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, the club are overhauling the base of their midfield and they first started looking for a world-class No6 a year ago.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Martin Zubimendi as the Gunners plot a bid for Noni Madueke. Zubimendi joins Arsenal from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract. His arrival is expected to be followed by the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford as part of a midfield overhaul following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Arsenal begin their pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign on Monday with plenty of promise brewing for the campaign ahead. Their hands were kept off the Premier League trophy by Liverpool last season,