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.

Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on the signing of Martin Zubimendi following his big-money move to the club. He and Andrea Berta were both speaking in the wake of the announcement that he had made the move to north London.

After months of negotiations, and years of interest, Mikel Arteta finally has his man. Martin Zubimendi, the 26-year-old Spain international, has joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract for a fee of around €65million (£55.