REVEALED: The Real Reason Arsenal’s £50m Move for Martin Zubimendi Hasn’t Been Announced Yet
Financial Fair Play twist delays Zubimendi’s switch to Arsenal — Real Sociedad ask for transfer to be finalised in July for accounting purposes.
Arsenal fans have been waiting eagerly for the club to announce the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi — but despite months of speculation and reports that a deal is all but done, nothing has been made official yet.
Zubimendi, who plays for Real Sociedad, has long been a top target for the Gunners. The 26-year-old is seen as the ideal addition to Mikel Arteta’s midfield and comes with a €60 million (£50m) release clause that Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay in full.
So why the delay?
According to trusted sources, including journalist James McNicholas writing in The Athletic, the hold-up isn’t on Arsenal’s side — it’s actually coming from Real Sociedad. The Spanish club has requested that the deal be officially completed at the beginning of July due to “accounting purposes,” which likely relates to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
By finalising the deal after the start of the new financial year, Real Sociedad can better manage how the transfer fee is recorded in their books. It’s a move that makes financial sense for them, and Arsenal are happy to cooperate.
That means although Zubimendi hasn’t travelled to London yet and a medical hasn’t taken place, the deal is not in danger. All major details — including the agreement on the transfer fee — appear to be settled, and barring any late twists, Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player next month.
In recent weeks, rumours have surfaced suggesting that Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City might try to hijack the move. However, there is currently no serious indication that any of those clubs are making a genuine attempt to swoop in. The situation is stable, and all signs point to Zubimendi wearing an Arsenal shirt in the near future.
For now, Arsenal fans will have to be patient. While the wait continues for the official unveiling, the club is already busy with other transfer targets to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
In short: the deal is agreed — it’s just a matter of time.
