Arsenal remain confident of sealing a deal for Martin Zubimendi this summer, football.london understands, despite late interest from Real Madrid.
The Gunners have worked hard behind the scenes to seal a deal for the Spanish international midfielder, who will effectively replace Jorginho in the squad, for a fee in the region of £51million.
But late interest from Los Blancos has led to confusion and concern in the Arsenal ranks that Zubimendi could be swayed to join the La Liga giants instead. Normally when Real Madrid come calling it makes players sit up and take notice and re-evaluate their options.
That may well be the case for Zubimendi, but the player has already verbally agreed a move to the Emirates Stadium, football.london understands, with only a medical left to complete.
Real Madrid are pushing hard to get the player to turn down Arsenal's offer and move to the Santiago Bernabeu instead, and the Gunners may not be helped by a potential three-week wait now to tie up a transfer.
Zubimendi has been on international duty with Spain following the conclusion of the La Liga season, scoring in the Nations League final against Portugal that the Spaniards eventually lost 5-3 on penalties.
Now, Zubimendi is sure to go on holiday after a long season with Real Sociedad, in which he played 3,955 minutes across 48 games.
FIFA guidelines state that players should be given three weeks off after club and international matches have concluded to have a break from the sport and that those three weeks should run consecutively.
If Zubimendi has indeed opted to go on holiday now, it will only serve to give him time to mull over the situation with Real Madrid now interested in signing him and will make Arsenal wait to tie up a deal until at least June 30.