Arsenal latest: Gunners ace admits former club would be surprised as dressing room influence declared

Ahead of Arsenal's return to Premier League football, we take a look at the latest news surrounding the north London side

Arsenal are preparing for the first north London derby of the season as Premier League action resumes. The Gunners went into the most recent international break at the top of the league - a position they've held for six consecutive weeks.

Despite a 2-2 draw at Sunderland earlier this month, their four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City remained intact. However, despite the strength of Mikel Arteta's squad, their injury list is growing with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined for at least a month after picking up an injury while playing for Brazil.

Players such as Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are still unavailable, presenting another tough test of their title credentials against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. As they aim to maintain their dominance over Spurs, having beaten them twice last season, we provide a round-up of the latest Arsenal news.

Zubimendi's confession

The Spanish player made a £51million move to the Gunners this past summer from his childhood club Real Sociedad, just a year after his club and international teammate Mikel Merino made the same move.

The midfielders gave a joint interview to the Premier League in which Merino lauded Zubimendi for his quality, acknowledging that Arteta wouldn't have signed him if he didn't believe the 26-year-old could enhance the Gunners.

"He honestly brings a lot," Merino said. "They don't make signings here for no reason and whenever someone comes in, it's to add something to the team." Whilst much attention had been paid to Zubimendi's defensive capabilities and his capacity to dictate the tempo of matches prior to his switch, his prowess in front of goal had not been highlighted as one of his key strengths.

With a tally of just 10 goals across 236 appearances for Sociedad, Zubimendi has already netted twice for Arsenal, both strikes coming in their comprehensive 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in September. The midfielder himself acknowledged that his improved finishing would likely surprise those at his former club.

Zubimendi said: "I wonder what they think at Real Sociedad because I had so many chances like that, but never scored from them, and the first one here goes in. I'm happy to score so quickly as that gives you a confidence boost."

Rice's leadership skills

Recognised globally as amongst the elite midfielders in the game, Declan Rice's captaincy credentials have consistently earned plaudits from colleagues and peers alike. After serving as West Ham's skipper for two seasons before his £105million transfer to north London, he has subsequently joined the club's leadership collective alongside captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Merino.

Whilst Saka has typically assumed captaincy duties this campaign during Odegaard's injury absences, the England international has championed Rice's leadership qualities and highlighted his constructive impact within the squad. "Dec is not only a great player but he's a great leader," the 23-year-old said.

"Obviously he was captain at West Ham and even around Arsenal, he's a big leader. He's a guy that takes a lot of responsibility in the changing room and gets the boys going. So credit to him for that and of course he's doing that here now as well.

"He's in really good form, a really good mood and I am happy to be his team-mate. Obviously he speaks with authority. He communicates well, he knows what to say at the right moment. But I think he has that backed up with his presence on the pitch, how he plays. He plays every game, he's always available."