Spanish publication declares Arsenal star 'Premier League signing of the season'

AS has declared Martin Zubimendi the Premier League signing of the season after his goal helped Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Sunderland, a result that moved the Gunners nine points clear at the top while Manchester City wait to visit Anfield.

With Zubimendi is more Arsenal beat Sunderland with a great goal from the Spaniard and a double from AS (Andalucía)8 Feb 2026 Zubimendi celebrates the first goal against Sunderland by paying tribute to his teammate Merino. He is the signing of the season in the Premier League. An all-rounder like few there are today. But, in addition to being a very excellent player, Zubimendi is a fellow 10. His was the goal that opened the win against Sunderland (3-0), which leaves the Gunners nine points ahead of City waiting for the Mancunians to visit Anfield. With a very special dedication. Zubimendi scored and celebrated, like a Merino in the corner flag, his sixth goal of the course. The Navarro, present in the Emirates stands after confirming that he will be out for four months, happily celebrated his friend's tribute. The 2025-26 was already the most scoring season in Zubimendi's career, but the 36-gunner has set out to make it, quite simply, historic. Almost unrepeatable. Also Gyökeres, the one in charge of scoring the black cats in the second half. And doubly so. The Swede was able to celebrate his recently won Arsenal Player of the Month award by putting on Bane's mask again. The wall raised by Alderete and Reinildo in North London ended up fading away. Mikel Arteta's pupils are flying. The London outfit have put the direct towards the league title. The United, launched. Manchester United got their fourth win, their fourth under Carrick, beating Tottenham 2-0. The game was put in front of them in the 29th minute when Romero saw the red for a jab on Casemiro. Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals. The Red Devils are fourth ahead of Chelsea, who also won, them 1-3, at Wolves. Palmer scored a hat-trick. And ahead, an Aston Villa that drew 1-1 with Bournemouth and equalized on points to City. — AS 8 February 2026

The Spanish publication praised Zubimendi as the complete modern midfielder and highlighted his importance to Arsenal’s dominance, with the Spaniard scoring the opening goal before celebrating by paying tribute to his injured teammate Mikel Merino at the corner flag by copying his goal celebration.

Merino, who watched from the Emirates stands after it was confirmed he will be out for around four months with a foot injury, was warmly received by the midfielder, who beamed from his seat.

According to AS, this is already the most prolific season of Zubimendi’s career with six goals, and one that could become historic.

The report also noted the contribution of Viktor Gyokeres, who scored twice in the second half, allowing the Swede to mark his recent Arsenal Player of the Month prize in emphatic fashion.

Sunderland’s defence eventually gave way as Mikel Arteta’s side tightened their grip on the title race, a run of form that AS described as Arsenal putting themselves firmly on course for the league crown.

Spanish publication declares Arsenal star ‘Premier League signing of the season’

AS has declared Martin Zubimendi the Premier League signing of the season after his goal helped Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Sunderland, a result that moved the Gunners nine points clear at the top while Manchester City wait to visit Anfield.