Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has singled out fellow Spaniard Martin Zubimendi as the summer signing who has made the biggest impression since arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
Gunners' Productive Transfer Window
Arsenal invested heavily during the summer transfer window, spending more than £250 million to strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad. The club welcomed eight new players including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie.
The significant investment appears to be paying dividends, with Arsenal currently enjoying an impressive unbeaten run of 14 games across all competitions. More importantly, Arteta's side sit four points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit, showing marked improvement after finishing as runners-up in Raya's first two seasons at the club.
Zubimendi's Immediate Impact
When asked which new arrival had impressed him most, Raya didn't hesitate in naming his international teammate. "I think Martin Zubimendi," the goalkeeper told ESPN. "He's a player that is very, very clever and adapted very well to the league."
Zubimendi joined Arsenal in early July for a fee that could reach £60 million, with the Gunners beating Real Madrid to secure his signature. The Euro 2024 winner has immediately justified that investment, featuring in every Premier League game this season as the anchor of Arsenal's midfield.
The Spanish midfielder has formed an effective partnership with Declan Rice, helping to dictate play while contributing three goal involvements already this campaign. Raya particularly praised Zubimendi's rapid adaptation to English football, noting that many players in his position typically need more time to adjust.
Title Ambitions and Staying Grounded
Despite Arsenal's strong start to the season, Raya emphasised the importance of maintaining focus rather than getting carried away with title talk. "Of course, we are Arsenal and we want to win the Premier League," he stated. "We want to win everything, that's why we play for Arsenal."
However, the Spanish shot-stopper insisted the team must remain grounded, adding: "But it's too far [away], we are only ten, 11 games into the season and it's too far to think ahead. You have to think game by game, day by day, and we'll see where we are in May."
While many pundits have suggested the Premier League title race is now a two-horse contest between Arsenal and Manchester City, Raya believes the competition remains wide open. "There's a lot of teams that can fight for the Premier League," he argued. "Anyone can beat anyone as you've seen. A lot of teams are just getting stronger and stronger so any team can win the league to be honest."
Raya will now join up with the Spanish national team during the international break before returning to face a crucial week of fixtures for Arsenal. The Gunners are set to take on rivals Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, alongside a Champions League encounter with German giants Bayern Munich.
