Rodri Hails Arsenal’s Zubimendi as “Exceptional” Ahead of Premier League Debut

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City midfielder Rodri has endorsed Arsenal’s new signing Martín Zubimendi, hailing his Spanish international teammate as an “exceptional player” with the potential to rank among the world’s elite.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad this summer in a £55 million deal and is expected to play a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s midfield this season. The 25-year-old has drawn comparisons to Rodri for his positional discipline, distribution, and tactical intelligence.

Speaking ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Turkey, Rodri praised Zubimendi’s qualities: “He’s an exceptional player. His discipline and mindset give him every chance to become one of the very best, if he isn’t already at that level.”

The endorsement from one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders underscores the high expectations surrounding Zubimendi’s adaptation to English football. His arrival at Emirates Stadium is viewed as a strategic response to Arsenal’s need for a deep-lying playmaker capable of controlling tempo and breaking opposition presses.

Zubimendi’s development will be closely watched as Arsenal aim to mount another sustained title challenge, with his performances likely to influence both his club’s ambitions and Spain’s midfield dynamics ahead of the 2026 World Cup.