Arsenal are primed to nab the Spanish midfielder from Real Sociedad.
18:10, Wed, May 28, 2025 | UPDATED: 18:10, Wed, May 28, 2025
Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad
Martin Zubimendi's move to Arsenal could be delayed (Image: Getty)
Arsenal may have to wait more than a month before their move for Martin Zubimendi officially goes through, according to reports. Agreements are in place for the 26-year-old to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, but Real Sociedad's financial needs may deny Mikel Arteta his ideal timeline.
The Gunners boss will be keen to get his ranks in order long before the start of pre-season as he bids to end a streak of three consecutive runner-up finishes in the Premier League. And much of the legwork has already been done regarding the signing of Zubimendi. Reports indicate that personal terms have been finalised with the player, and Arsenal are ready to trigger his £51million release clause.
But according to one of Sociedad's local Basque newspapers, El Diario Vasco, the transaction itself may be delayed until the start of the next financial year. Last summer, the departures of Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand both went into Sociedad's books on July 1.
And it has been suggested that holding off on the Zubimendi millions until the start of the next accounting window 'could benefit the blue and white team'.
Emirates chiefs reportedly want Zubimendi to complete his medical before joining up with Spain for their Nations League semi-final early next month. They have also discussed paying the £51m in instalments, rather than all in one go, so they have spare cash to pursue other deals this summer.
Southampton FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Mikel Arteta is plotting to sign a central midfielder, a left winger and a striker this summer (Image: Getty)
Having practically secured their top target in midfield, Arteta's attention will soon turn towards a new recruit on the left wing. A number of stars have been linked, including Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma, Athletic Club ace Nico Williams, AC Milan man Rafael Leao, and Rodrygo of Real Madrid.
And it has now emerged that Arsenal are ramping up their interest in Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane. Arteta worked with the German international while serving as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.
Sane, now 29, is out of contract at the end of June and will be available as a free agent from July 1. Bayern are believed to have offered him a new deal worth up to £243,000 a week, but he is yet to sign on the dotted line.
The jet-heeled wide man netted 39 times in 135 games for City, winning two Premier League titles and three domestic cups. And he has added to that trophy haul in Munich, where he has hit double figures in each of his five seasons.