Overview

• Arsenal spent almost £200 million this summer to bolster midfield and attack after three straight second-place finishes
• Martin Zubimendi completed a £60 million move from Real Sociedad in July and has cemented a starting spot with consistent pre-season displays
• In a 3-0 win over Athletic Club, Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard formed a fluid midfield that unlocked quick transitions
• Viktor Gyokeres, signed for £63 million from Sporting CP, scored in the final friendly and showcased the incisive movement pundits lauded
• Gary Lineker and Micah Richards highlighted Zubimendi’s defensive prowess and Gyokeres’s striker instincts as pivotal additions