Overview

• Zubimendi has joined Arsenal’s preseason tour in Singapore alongside mentor Mikel Merino after the club activated his £51 million release clause in March.
• He said turning down Liverpool last summer and remaining at Real Sociedad was necessary to continue his development before moving to the Premier League.
• Zubimendi praised Mikel Arteta as a top European coach whose detailed, obsessive approach convinced him to sign with Arsenal.
• Arteta has assigned him the No. 6 role to bolster defensive balance and provide a reliable passing outlet in the midfield.
• Merino will support Zubimendi’s adaptation off the pitch and help him settle near Arsenal’s London Colney training base.