Martin Keown Says £60m Arsenal Star Martin Zubimendi Is ‘As Good As Anything I’ve Seen’

Arsenal legend Martin Keown hails £60m midfielder Martin Zubimendi as world-class, comparing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to Arsène Wenger’s golden-era sides.

Arsenal outstanding performance this season has been fueled by the £60m summer signing of Martin Zubimendi, who has quickly established himself as a key figure under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are flying high at the top of the Premier League table, six points clear after a dominant run of results. Their Champions League campaign has also impressive, they had won ten straight games before a 2-2 draw at Sunderland ended their streak.

Martin Keown, one of Arsenal’s most respected figures and a cornerstone of the “Invincibles” era, believes this current team is sending a clear message to the rest of the league. He noted that Arsenal’s combination of tactical control, defensive discipline, and fluid attacking play is reminiscent of Arsène Wenger’s title-winning sides from the early 2000s.

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The £60m Star: Martin Zubimendi

The standout of Keown’s recent comments was his glowing praise for Arsenal’s £60 million midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, signed from Real Sociedad. Speaking to the BBC, Keown described the Spanish international as “as good as anything I have seen,” a remarkable compliment from a player who has played alongside legends such as Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva.

Since joining Arsenal, Zubimendi has revolutionised the Gunners’ midfield. His composure under pressure, intelligent positioning, and ability to dictate tempo have made him indispensable to Arteta’s system. Keown suggested that Zubimendi may already be the most impactful signing in Europe this season — an anchor who has elevated Arsenal’s game to title-winning standards.

Keown’s comparison to Wenger’s prime years carries weight among supporters. Arsenal have not lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004, and fans have longed for a team that embodies the balance and belief of that golden era. Under Arteta, a blend of youth, leadership, and structure is rekindling those memories — and Zubimendi stands at the centre of it.

The Spaniard’s consistency, tactical intelligence, and ability to control matches against top opposition have drawn universal praise. Keown’s comments underline how Zubimendi’s signing has not only strengthened Arsenal’s core but also restored a sense of identity and authority reminiscent of Wenger’s best teams.

Arteta’s Standards and Arsenal’s Ambition

Following the 2-2 draw against Sunderland, Arteta admitted to feeling “a pain in his stomach,” frustrated by dropped points. But Keown’s analysis provides a reassuring counterpoint — Arsenal are on an upward trajectory. With Martin Zubimendi anchoring the midfield and setting the tone for Arteta’s pressing game, the Gunners have the structure and mentality of champions in waiting.

If Zubimendi maintains his current form, Arsenal could finally turn potential into silverware and end their two-decade wait for the Premier League title. For Keown, the £60m investment already looks like a masterstroke that could define Arteta’s era.

Indeed, Martin Keown’s declaration that Martin Zubimendi is ‘as good as anything I’ve seen’ highlights how crucial the Spaniard has become to Arsenal’s success. Moreover, under Arteta, the Gunners have rediscovered the balance, belief, and brilliance that once defined their golden era.

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