Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Finding a new way to say the same thing is never easy.

Arguably the biggest cause for fresh optimism -- at least until striker Viktor Gyökeres completes his increasingly protracted move from Sporting CP -- is the arrival of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me."



Arsenal beat a host of top clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, to sign Martín Zubimendi.

Andrea Berta arrived as Edu's replacement in March and that was around the time Zubimendi finally committed to Arsenal, although the deal had to survive late interest for Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu.

"I think it was a really well-orchestrated plan by the club, and everybody that was involved in it, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time," Arteta explained.

"There's always a moment -- I'm not involved and probably they don't tell me when it gets really difficult!

The pair both began their careers at the same amateur club in San Sebastián -- Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea -- and both later played for Real Sociedad, continuing the region's rich football heritage which Arteta attributes to "the environment -- the passion about the game, the education."

The connection was of palpable importance to Zubimendi.

He said: "Whenever I watch a match, I pay close attention to the midfielders in my position, and Rodri is a role model for all Spanish midfielders."

Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino won Euro 2024 for Spain while they were teammates at Real Sociedad. Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Following in Rodri's footsteps is something Zubimendi has already done.

I think the lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets."

Zubimendi is then asked what exactly is missing as after several years of sustained progress under Arteta, with Arsenal still waiting since the 2020 FA Cup to add any major silverware.

"Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League," Zubimendi said.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.