Martin Zubimendi had Arsenal and Real Madrid both wanting him back in the summer(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

Martin Zubimendi maintains he would not have been the "missing piece of the jigsaw" at Real Madrid - nor does he believe he fulfils that role for Arsenal as he praised the calibre of his team-mates.

The Spaniard, who had long been in Mikel Arteta's sights, departed Real Sociedad during the summer and chose to make the switch to the Premier League.

There was interest from his homeland courtesy of Los Blancos, where his idol Xabi Alonso had recently assumed the managerial role.

However, Zubimendi chose to join Arsenal, who stumped up £60million to secure his signature.

The midfielder had established himself on the international stage with some outstanding displays at Euro 2024 before opting to remain in San Sebastian for an additional campaign, despite Liverpool's advances last year too.

The 26 year old now forms part of an Arsenal midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Had he made the move to Madrid, he would have been lining up with...