Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed the club’s summer signing who has impressed him the most this season — and it’s not the big-name forwards or the flashy wingers.

Despite the Gunners spending over £250 million during the summer transfer window to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad, Raya singled out Martin Zubimendi as the standout performer among the new arrivals.

Arsenal made several high-profile signings including Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

But according to Raya, it’s Zubimendi — who arrived from Real Sociedad — that has impressed him the most with his intelligence and seamless adaptation to the Premier League.

“I think Martin Zubimendi,” Raya told ESPN.
“He is a player who is very, very clever and adapted very well to the league, where there are a lot of players who take a little bit longer to adapt, especially in his role.
He has just adapted so quickly, and you can see what he does for the team.”

Zubimendi’s arrival has given Arsenal’s midfield more control and balance, with the Spaniard quietly dictating play and allowing the attacking players more freedom to flourish.

Opinion: Why Zubimendi Might Be Arsenal’s Silent Masterstroke

In a summer dominated by marquee signings and hefty transfer fees, Martin Zubimendi’s name didn’t make the loudest headlines — but he’s proving to be the quiet revolution in Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side.

While fans often celebrate attacking flair, what Zubimendi brings is rhythm, intelligence, and stability. He reads the game like a seasoned conductor, ensuring the tempo of Arsenal’s play never spirals out of control. His positional discipline has not only freed Declan Rice to venture forward more often but has also given the defense an added layer of assurance.

David Raya’s praise isn’t just complimentary — it’s insightful. As a goalkeeper who sees the entire game unfold from the back, Raya understands better than most how crucial a calm, intelligent midfielder is in building attacks and preventing chaos.

In many ways, Zubimendi embodies the modern Arsenal under Arteta: technically refined, tactically aware, and quietly effective. He may not have the explosive highlights of Gyökeres or Eze, but his consistency and composure are what turn a good team into a title-winning one.

If Arsenal go on to challenge for silverware this season, fans may well look back at the signing of Martin Zubimendi as the understated genius move of their £250 million summer spree.