Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media / Imago
Mon 28 July 2025 15:34, UK
Mikel Arteta needs to tread carefully with Martin Zubimendi as the new Arsenal signing adapts to the Premier League, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, having watched the Spaniard in La Liga last season, the player is at risk of picking up red cards from referees in England.
With goals from Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, and an Alex Murphy own goal, the Gunners were victorious against Newcastle United during a pre-season friendly on Sunday, 27 July.
Despite the positives, concerns have emerged over Zubimendi’s adaptability to the Premier League, having been yellow-carded with his first foul in Arsenal colours against the Magpies.
https://x.com/Arsenal/status/1949575523404845386Martin Zubimendi concerns emerge at Arsenal
The Gunners have a history of hard-tackling midfielders, most notably Sunderland-bound Granit Xhaka in recent seasons, and Arteta looks to have added yet another to his ranks this summer.
Much like the Swiss international, Zubimendi is not afraid to go in for challenges, which was evident when picking up his first caution just 37 minutes into his first game for the 2019/20 FA Cup winners.
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With Arteta under pressure to win trophies at Arsenal, the Spaniard will be hoping the midfielder’s arrival, alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, will make the difference in the Premier League title race.
However, Hackett believes the manager will require behind-the-scenes talks with one of his new arrivals to avoid any on-pitch setbacks, having been awarded the most red cards in the league last season.
Credit: ImagoMikel Arteta to avoid high number of red cards next season
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I have no doubt that Arteta will have talks with him and his fellow teammates. I think Arsenal, in the past, have had players who have been capable of having a bit of steel.
“That’s the reason he’s been brought in, to give the team a bit of strength when it comes to challenges on the pitch. Arteta is a very experienced manager, and will liaise with him in the appropriate manner.
Mikel Arteta wants to win silverware at Arsenal. (Credit: Imago)
“It’s up to the player and the club to determine how many yellow cards he’s going to pick up. There’s no doubt that with some of the challenges I’ve seen him produce, he runs the risk in England of not only getting a yellow, but also facing suspensions too.”
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