Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after months of negotiations, but a surprise update has now shared news of what could be a very lengthy delay when it comes to announcing his capture.
Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical with Real Sociedad deal agreed
The 26-year-old, nearly 12 months after rejecting Liverpool’s advances, is now set to make his long-awaited move to the Premier League with Arsenal instead.
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The international would add some much-needed bite to Arsenal’s midfield.
The BBC’s Sami Mokbel was first to share news that Zubimendi is set to undergo a medical at Arsenal before completing a £51 million switch to the Emirates Stadium, with the Spain international close to becoming Andrea Berta’s first official signing as sporting director.
The reaction to his imminent arrival has been overwhelmingly positive, following many productive years as a key starter for boyhood club Sociedad in La Liga.
|
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) |
Money on new signings |
|---|---|
|
19/20 – winter |
£0 |
|
20/21 – summer |
£81.5m |
|
20/21 – winter |
£900k |
|
21/22 – summer |
£156.8m |
|
21/22 – winter |
£1.8m |
|
22/23 – summer |
£121.5m |
|
22/23 – winter |
£59m |
|
23/24 – summer |
£208m |
|
23/24 – winter |
£0 |
|
24/25 – summer |
£101.5m |
|
24/25 – winter |
£0 |
Zubimendi was a mainstay under ex-Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, helping to guide them back into the Champions League for 2023/2024, and played a role in helping Spain reign triumphant at the Euros last summer.
“Arsenal believe they are acquiring one of the world’s best holding midfielders in Martin Zubimendi, and they are not the only ones,” said Sky Sports journalist Nick Wright.
“Having also been coveted by Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona, his elite credentials are clear. Zubimendi won the European Championship with Spain last year and has thrived domestically as well as internationally, helping boyhood club Real Sociedad win silverware in the Copa del Rey and playing a key role in their return to the Champions League.”
Former Man City financial advisor, Stefan Borson, also praised Zubimendi’s capture as an astute one in terms of cash flow, following reports in January that they were already advancing on a pre-summer deal (The Mail).
“It’s a great deal for Arsenal at that price. It’s low risk given the quality,” said Borson to Football Insider.
“I don’t think it’s a PSR situation why they are signing him in the summer, I think it’s simply a case of that works for all parties for him to move in the summer.”
When Arsenal could announce Martin Zubimendi deal amid potential delay
According to Spanish news outlet Diario Vasco, Zubimendi’s medical in N5 should happen before Saturday.
The Spain squad, which includes Zubimendi, are going on an international tour of duty as they prepare for a UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against France next week, leaving little time for Mikel Arteta’s side to formally complete the steps needed.
Interestingly, while the medical appears set to go ahead soon, it is believed that Arsenal may not announce Zubimendi’s capture until July.
Diario Vasco state that this may suit all parties, as both Sociedad and Arsenal can then count Zubimendi’s transfer as a transaction for the next financial year, which starts on July 1, without having to register him on their 2024/2025 accounts.
With PSR and FFP taken into consideration here, Gunners supporters are facing another lengthy wait regarding Zubimendi confirmation, but all indications are that he can be considered an unofficial Arsenal player at this point.
