Such praise underlines why Arsenal have invested more than £50million to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, the club are overhauling the base of their midfield and they first started looking for a world-class No6 a year ago.

Zubimendi can be described as a metronome, with his ability in possession making him a strong fit at the base of Arsenal's midfield. Many pundits and fans have thought of Decan Rice as the club's defensive midfielder, but the Englishman has been primarily used by Arteta in a number eight role.

Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on the signing of Martin Zubimendi following his big-money move to the club. He and Andrea Berta were both speaking in the wake of the announcement that he had made the move to north London.