Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed the new signing who has stood out to him the most following the club’s busy summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta enjoyed strong backing from the Arsenal hierarchy in the off-season, with the club investing over £250 million to bolster the squad. The Gunners secured several high-profile arrivals, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Piero Hincapie.
The heavy investment appears to be paying off. Arsenal have made a remarkable start to the campaign, going 14 games unbeaten across all competitions and sitting four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
READ MORE: Arsenal linked with surprise £10m move for former academy forward
Among the new recruits, Raya, who joined the Gunners from Brentford in 2023 and has since become a key figure under Arteta, singled out one player in particular for praise. The Spaniard said his compatriot Martin Zubimendi has been the most impressive addition since arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal managed to fend off fierce competition from Real Madrid to sign Zubimendi in a deal reportedly worth up to £60 million in early July. The Euro 2024 winner has quickly justified his price tag, featuring in every Premier League match so far and playing a pivotal role in midfield alongside Declan Rice. His composure, tactical intelligence, and three goal contributions have already made him indispensable to Arteta’s setup.
Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)
When asked by ESPN which new arrival had impressed him the most, Raya didn’t hesitate: “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.”
Despite Arsenal’s electric start to the season, Raya urged calm within the camp, emphasizing that the team remains focused on the long journey ahead.
“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.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Many pundits have suggested that the title race is shaping up to be another head-to-head battle between Arsenal and Manchester City, especially after City’s emphatic victory over Liverpool before the international break. But Raya believes the competition remains wide open.
“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 the international break, Raya will turn his attention back to club duties as Arsenal gear up for a defining week with crucial Premier League clashes against Tottenham and Chelsea, followed by a high-stakes Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich.
NEXT ARTICLE: Bukayo Saka excited by return of two England stars
