Arteta reveals ‘surprise’ at summer signing Another star being the ‘difference’ in CL for one important reason

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has admitted one signing has “surprised” him, while another star could be the “difference” in the Champions League.

The Gunners have made a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign They sit atop the Premier League table after eight matches.

North London outfit The Champions League have also made a winning start and face Atletico Madrid in their third group game on Tuesday night.

Armed for all four trophies this season as he made a statement in the summer transfer window, SAround £250 million is pending to build the best squad in the Premier League.

Victor Giovkiris, Aberchie Eze, Noni Medvec, Martin Zobemandi, Piero Hincapi and Christian Masjara were among their most notable additions, thus ensuring that the arsenal has quality options in every position.

Before Tuesday’s match, Arteta has praised Zabimendi, admitting his “surprise” at how quickly the centre-midfielder has adapted to life in the Premier League.

“I don’t like the comparison,” Arteta told Marca in an interview.

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“I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his way, and he’s doing that. Since he’s arrived, the impact he’s had on the team has been phenomenal, and it’s very difficult.

“I’ve seen a lot of midfielders come to the Premier League from top positions in other leagues, and they’ve struggled. It’s taken them a year or two to become who they are.

“The speed and nature with which he is adapting is amazing.

“We’ve given him confidence and a clear role at every level, including the decisions we’ve made with players who were here but are no longer here.

“We gave him space. And then, he’s comfortable with our style. It fits his style of play.”

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Guevara has more critics as he has scored just three goals in eleven matches since Sporting’s summer move to Arsenal from Lisbon.

Nevertheless, former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has backed Guerres to be “the difference” in the Champions League for a reason.

“I feel like that’s where he stood last year,” Walcott said. “I think the difference in Arsenal’s need was that he was a different type of striker.

“They have (Kai) Hortz who would like to occupy that No. 10 position, but they have four or five, maybe even six players who want to occupy that No. 10 position.

“Guykeris is not going to do that at all. He is very happy to even not touch the ball sometimes. He is quite happy because when he pushes a little bit and throws with the center half.

“But I’m happy with what I saw. A lot of people talked about him not scoring a lot of goals. But, for me, he’s creating havoc, he’s creating chances for other people and he’s getting the best out of other players.

“I think it’s just that the Premier League is different. I think the Champions League is where Arsenal want to be, and that can be the difference in just taking over defenses in a different way.

“I think the Champions League, too, is where the game might be a bit more open for him. You put him in the starting line-up against PSG, and maybe he gets a couple because he’s in those positions.”