Martin Zubimendi praises Mikel Arteta as Arsenal target historic double
Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi says he has evolved as a player under Mikel Arteta as Arsenal prepare for a defining week in their history.
The league leaders currently hold a six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with three matches remaining.
However, second-placed Manchester City possess two games in hand, ensuring the domestic title race remains finely poised.
The north London club swept Fulham aside 3-0 at the weekend, keeping their hopes alive of ending a 22-year wait for domestic supremacy.
European ambitions
Domestic matters are briefly paused as Arteta’s squad face Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
Victory against the Spanish opposition would secure a first-ever appearance in the final of Europe’s premier club competition.
It presents the Gunners with a rare opportunity to complete a historic league and European double.
Tactical evolution under Arteta
A central figure to this campaign has been Zubimendi, who arrived from Real Sociedad in a £51m deal last summer.
The 27-year-old remains the only outfield squad member to feature in every league fixture this season.
Initially expected to operate solely as a defensive anchor, the midfielder has flourished in a more advanced role, contributing a career-best six goals.
Speaking to the official club website, the former Real Sociedad man outlined his manager’s profound influence.
Once I joined the club I realised that I had a lot to learn; Mikel’s a coach who’s seen a lot, who’s learnt a lot and who’s studied a lot.
You can see that since I’ve joined the club I’ve become a different player.
We work really hard, all of our training sessions have tactical, technical and strategic aspects. Ultimately, repetition leads to perfection, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.
Liverpool join forward race
Meanwhile, plans for next season are already accelerating with reports indicating renewed competition in the transfer market.
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.
The highly-rated French attacker has been monitored by the Emirates hierarchy for several years as they look to bolster their offensive options.