"Arsenal Files: Heartfelt Zubimendi Longs for His Dog but Believes He Deserves More Than London as Emirates Embraces Safe Standing"

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has settled brilliantly at Arsenal and has proved to be their best summer signing.

Yet there is one thing the midfielder really misses about Spain.

Martin Zubimendi has settled into life in London – even without his dogCredit: Getty

Zubimendi, who , explained: “My dog still lives in Spain.

“The thing is that I live alone here and he doesn’t deserve that kind of life. He deserves better, he wants the sun.

“He’s happy with my dad. Let’s see what happens in the future but right now, I’m settling in.”

, 26, also confirmed that pal Mikel Merino – who left Real Sociedad for Arsenal a year earlier in 2024 – played a part in him moving to North London.

Asked whether they spoke before the transfer, Liverpool target Zubimendi said: “Yes, just before signing.

“Obviously, getting the opinion of a player who is already in the squad is always helpful but I had pretty much made my decision already.

“It’s true that his opinion helped clarify everything a bit more for me.”

Holding midfielder manager Mikel Arteta and he scored the second goal in Tuesday’s .

Arteta said: “It’s a position that is very, very difficult to get an impact in this manner and he’s done it so early.

“But credit to him, credit to his team-mates as well, how easily they make it for him.

“Against Villa, he’s done something that in my opinion he’s got the ability to do.

“He arrived at the right moment, attacking the box and finalising actions and he did it with such composure.”

THE EMIRATES will have safe standing in use for the first time when Arsenal host Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The move has been brought about as competition rules mean Chelsea are entitled to 6,000 away fans for the second leg on February 3.

Safe standing will be in operation at the Emirates for the Carabao Cup against ChelseaCredit: Reuters

But the big question is whether it will be installed permanently in some areas next season – or if they will be used again this term – with the club currently tight-lipped over the prospect.

Arsenal’s away end for Premier League matches houses around 3,000 fans and for the Chelsea tie, extending it across the lower tier would mean moving season ticket holders from the Clock End.

The – 2,000 Chelsea fans will be in the usual away end and 4,000 in the upper tier.

The move is also driven by the fact that for breaching FA Cup rules last season.

The club did not provide Manchester United with their full 9,000 ticket allocation for the third round tie in January.

Using safe-standing rails would mean Arsenal are able to do so in the future and ensure they do not have to cough up the £500,000.

The FA fine is suspended – but will be triggered if fail to comply with competition rules this season.

MIKEL ARTETA is famously guarded when it comes to team news.

The Arsenal boss likes to keep the opponent guessing and so never gives anything away when it comes to the fitness of players.

Declan Rice started at right-back – despite not warming up with the defendersCredit: Getty

Two seasons ago, Bukayo Saka even turned up at the Emirates in his tracksuit and with a wash bag – but played no part in the game against Manchester City.

And was seemingly up to his old tricks again last weekend for the visit of Brighton.

Declan Rice played right-back in the absence of both Ben White and Jurrien Timber due to injury.

But the Gunners actually warmed up with Martin Zubimendi there, before swapping with Rice when the game kicked off.

CHRISTMAS time is often when people sit around the table together and dust off a board game.

It would seem Arsenal defender is no different.

Piero Hincapie got into the festive season by playing MonopolyCredit: Getty

After the win over Brighton, the centre-back was back home within hours and playing a game of Monopoly.

Hincapie was not, however, swatting up on his knowledge of London and instead chose to play the Madrid version of the game.

ANDRE HARRIMAN-ANNOUS has revealed he received advice from two Arsenal first-team stars ahead of making his debut as a 17-year-old.

The on the same day Max Dowman became the club’s youngest player to start a game.

Andre Harriman-Annous made his Arsenal debut alongside Max DowmanCredit: Getty

Harriman-Annous, who turned 18 on Sunday, revealed: “As soon as I was told, I FaceTimed my mum and she started crying. She was so happy and proud. I then told my close friends and inner circle.

“I spoke to Leandro Trossard before kick-off and he asked me how I was feeling, reminiscing about his own first professional appearance. He encouraged me to go out, play my game and have no regrets.

“Bukayo (Saka) also spoke to me about his Arsenal debut and told me to give everything and leave it all on the pitch.

“Just a week later I was back in the first-team away to Slavia Prague in the Champions League which was another incredible experience.

“Playing in the Champions League is something I have always dreamed of, so to make my first team debut and then make my Champions League debut within eight days was unbelievable.

“Sharing those moments with fellow academy players like Max makes it even more special.”