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Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi has emphasized the most significant transformation since his switch from Real Sociedad - a mental shift where anything short of victory simply isn't acceptable.
The Spanish midfielder was close to joining Liverpool last summer but opted to remain with Real Sociedad for another season. He completed his move to the Emirates earlier in the transfer window, with Arsenal paying around $81 million (£60 million) for his signature.
Prior to his Premier League bow against Manchester United, he remarked: "The main change will be in mentality; dropping points is not allowed here. Mikel [Arteta] is very detail-oriented, he is obsessed with taking advantage of every play.
"He'll certainly ask a lot of things from me and it's been a very different summer. The change hasn't been easy, but I'm here now and eager to get started."
The previous summer saw Zubimendi reject the chance to join Liverpool, despite seemingly being on the verge of a move to Anfield, opting to remain with his beloved Sociedad. Yet when Arsenal came calling, he wasted no time in putting pen to paper at the Emirates.
He continued: "Last year, I also had doubts. I felt I could still contribute a lot to Real Sociedad and that I still had steps to take.
"But this summer, I felt like my time had come. Once the signing was close, we talked, but he didn't need to convince me as I already knew what I wanted by seeing how the team played."
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Should Arsenal finally break their 20-year Premier League title drought, they must surpass reigning champions Liverpool, alongside Manchester City and Chelsea.
Zubimendi hopes to take inspiration from his Spain colleague and Ballon d'Or recipient Rodri as he aims to master English football.
Speaking about his fellow countryman, who has clinched four top-tier titles since his transfer from Atletico Madrid to City in the summer of 2019, he stated: "I admire him a lot, although I think we are totally different players.
"I hope to be able to have the success that Rodri has had in the Premier League."
Speaking ahead of his side's game with United, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "We are going to do everything. First of all, understanding the player and exposing the player to the conditions that he can fulfil his incredible potential.
"That's going to be the key and the good thing is that there have been many players, many strikers, they have come from different leagues, they have come to the Premier League and been successful.
"And it's for us creating the right context for Viktor to do what he does the best, which is to score goals."
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