Arsenal have been thrown a curveball in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield.
Zubimendi, who sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire in June 2027, featured 36 times in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Despite his efforts, Real Sociedad failed to qualify for either of UEFA's three competitions.
While the Basque outfit missed out on European football, Zubimendi still managed to impress. football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of the 26-year-old, who has a release clause in his contract worth €60m (£52.3m).
The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi since the summer of 2023, with Arteta said to be a big fan. football.london also understands that Arsenal are under the assumption that they'll successfully secure his signature.
However, if reports from Spain are to be believed, Andrea Berta has encountered a problem. On Wednesday afternoon, El Diario Vasco reported that Real Madrid are considering an offer in excess of Zubimendi's release clause in order to pay the fee in instalments.
The report claims that this way, the player's representatives won't have to take the Gunners' bid to La Liga, and they can arrange the transfer in-house. El Diario Vasco states this happens when: "the sale—even with the money from the clause—is not made in an agreed and amicable manner."
The Spanish newspaper claims that this could delay any official approval of the deal until July. Meanwhile, the BBC have reported that all the relevant paperwork has been signed, and Zubimendi's transfer to Arsenal is now subject to a medical.
The Real Sociedad president recently announced that the Spain international's future will be resolved next month. Speaking on Radio Marca Donostia, Jokin Aperribay said: "We'll see what happens.
"All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe, and whatever happens, will happen in June. There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there.
"He's had several opportunities to leave, and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options. I don't remember our last conversation [with Zubimendi]. When I talk to him, it's more about goals, pushing...
"There's one month left, and we're playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. I don't know if it's difficult for him to stay. We haven't tried to raise the clause.
"Don't think contracts are negotiated like that. It's more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don't know if it's difficult."
In an emotional interview with official club media earlier this month, Zubimendi appeared to hint at his departure. As quoted by TBR Football, he said: "We get used to so many good things happening to me.
"But sometimes you have to slow down, look back and realise everything you’re experiencing and everything you’ve achieved. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to experience many good things with Real Sociedad, many dreams come true. Europa League, Champions League, a title.
"I couldn’t ask for more..."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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