David Raya has named the Arsenal signing who has ‘impressed’ him the most since joining the club over the summer transfer window.
Arsenal backed Mikel Arteta with a productive and impressive transfer window, spending more than £250m on new signings.
Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie all arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
Many of the Gunners’ summer recruits have hit the ground running, with Arteta’s side unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions and four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
But Raya, now a stalwart in Arsenal’s side, having arrived from Brentford in 2023, says it is his fellow countryman, Martin Zubimendi, who has made the biggest impact since his arrival at the Emirates.
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Arsenal side saw off strong competition from Real Madrid to sign Zubimendi in a deal worth up to £60 million back in early July.
And the Euro 2024 winner has proved his worth already this season, featuring in every league game at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, helping to dictate play alongside Declan Rice as well as chipping in with three goal contributions.
Asked which summer signing has impressed him the most, Raya told ESPN: ‘I think Martin Zubimendi.
‘He’s a player that is very, very clever and adapted very well to the league where there is a lot of players that it takes a little bit longer to adapt, especially in his role.
‘He’s just adapted so quick and you can see what he does for the team.’
Arsenal have finished runners-up in the league in Raya’s first two seasons at the club, but the Spaniard insisted he and his teammates are staying grounded despite their impressive start to the season.
‘Of course, we are Arsenal and we want to win the Premier League,’ he said. ‘We want to win everything, that’s why we play for Arsenal.
‘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.’
City’s dominant win over defending champions Liverpool prior to the international break had many suggesting the league is now a two-horse race between City and Arsenal, but Raya does not see it that way.
‘There’s a lot of teams that can fight for the Premier League,’ he said.
‘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.’
After his international break with Spain, Raya will return to club duty for a crucial week of action that sees the Gunners face Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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