Overview

• Martin Zubimendi cemented his role at the base of Arsenal’s midfield during a 3-0 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao, completing 94% of his passes and winning all his tackles.
• Zubimendi said settling in was “very easy,” praising the club’s supportive environment, and manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the trio’s fluid interplay as a fresh dimension in attack.
• Gary Lineker described Zubimendi as a “terrific holding player,” marking the midfield signing as a standout of Arsenal’s summer recruitment.
• Viktor Gyökeres scored his first goal for Arsenal in the same match, with pundit Micah Richards lauding the striker’s intelligent movement and goal threat.
• Arsenal head into their Premier League opener against Manchester United with renewed balance in midfield and added firepower up front.