MIKEL ARTETA is rarely lost for words – but he is running out of things to say about Martin Zubimendi.
Spain star Zubimendi has been a revelation since joining Arsenal from Real Soceidad last summer for £51million.
The midfielder, 26, was identified by Arsenal’s recruitment team because they believed he could become the heartbeat of Arteta’s side.
But Zubimendi’s game has evolved and he has turned into a dangerous weapon in attack, too.
Zubimendi scored the winning goal against Chelsea on Wednesday night in the first leg of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Spaniard has now found the net four times this season, while he has also chipped in with three assists.
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It is already Zubimendi’s best season in terms of attacking output – and there are still over four months to go.
Arteta said: “When we talk about Zubi, it’s – what else can he do?
“He can do whatever he wants. It’s a bit similar to Declan Rice’s qualities.
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“We just have to keep unlocking that in his system, in his brain, because he’s so good at occupying different spaces, carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels.
“And he has a talent that when he gets into the final step and into the box, he is so composed. He sees the picture very clearly.”
Zubimendi unlocking his attacking potential is a welcome boost for Arsenal – who still don’t have a reliable goalscorer they can lean on.
Viktor Gyokeres scored during Wednesday night’s win at Chelsea, but has just eight goals this season.
The Swede has not been the goal machine many tipped him to be when Arsenal paid an initial fee of £54.8m to Sporting last summer.
It has led to Arsenal spreading the goals around – and Zubimendi is the perfect example of that.
Arteta’s side have had 16 different scorers this season and they have benefitted from own goals, too.
In fact, among Arsenal’s top scorers in all competitions, own goals sits fifth thanks to their tally of five.
No one in the Gunners squad has hit double figures, with Gabriel Martinelli having the most on nine.
That is in stark contrast to Arsenal’s biggest rivals for the title – Manchester City – who have been fired forward by Erling Haaland’s 20 league goals.
Arsenal’s top scorers in the Prem are Leandro Trossard and Gyokeres, who both have five.
The concern for Arteta will be whether his side can keep sharing the goals around and relying on the likes of Zubimendi to step up.
History shows how hard it is to win the title without a lethal striker. The lowest top goalscorer from a side that won the Prem is 13.
Chelsea managed that with Frank Lampard during the 2004-05 season and City did the same with Ilkay Gundogan in 2020-21.
Arsenal are on course to beat that given we are over halfway through the season.
Clearly, if Arsenal are going to get over the line, everyone is going to have to chip in.