Arsenal's £52m Zubimendi deal could face delay until July

 

WHY ZUBIMENDI'S ARSENAL MOVE COULD BE DELAYED! MIDFIELDER ARRIVES IN LONDON BUT £52M TRANSFER MAY NOT COMPLETE UNTIL JULY

Arsenal fans were excited when Martín Zubimendi touched down in London ahead of what seemed like an imminent move. However, the Spanish midfielder’s switch from Real Sociedad now looks set to officially unfold in July, not immediately. Multiple strategic and logistical factors are at play here.

 1. Financial-Year Timing for Both Clubs

Real Sociedad are finalizing their 2024–25 financial reports and prefer to record the sale in the next fiscal year, starting July 1. This helps optimize profit recognition and ensures compliance with La Liga's budget rules.

Arsenal stand to benefit as well, since delaying the deal lets them defer the financial impact—fees and amortization—into the new accounting cycle, easing pressure on this summer’s spending cap.

2. Structured Payment Agreements

Arsenal are preparing to pay the €60 million release clause through installments with performance-linked add-ons.

Registering in mid-July gives both clubs flexibility to finalize the payment structure without straining current budgets.

3. Scheduling Around Internationals & Pre-Season

Zubimendi is currently with Spain’s squad for the Nations League, which delays his medical and full integration until after international fixtures wrap up.

Arsenal want him present at the beginning of pre-season—around early July—to build chemistry in midfield before competitive action begins.

 4. Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso Factor

Real Madrid have reportedly signaled interest in Zubimendi, with new manager Xabi Alonso—the player’s former coach—seeking midfield reinforcements.

His lingering interest in staying in Spain may add leverage as clubs await formal registration from July 1.

Arsenal reportedly remain confident, but the prospect of a late surge from Los Blancos is adding a layer of paranoia to the deal.

 5. Arsenal’s Transfer Market Strategy

Arsenal have multiple summer targets, including Rodrygo, a striker, and potentially another winger.

Getting Zubimendi over the line—even if it’s delayed—remains a priority, as he’s seen as a direct replacement for Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Finalizing this deal paves the way for broader midfield planning and forthcoming signings.

What to Expect Next

Zubimendi to complete a medical and finalize personal terms in early July.

Arsenal and Real Sociedad to register the transfer officially once the book year opens.

Madrid may still make an approach, but Arsenal’s position remains firm.

Zubimendi joins Arsenal’s pre-season camp, alongside new signings.

 Final Take

The delay in Zubimendi’s move isn’t a sign of uncertainty—it’s a deliberate, strategic pause. By targeting a July completion, both Arsenal and Real Sociedad get financial clarity and space, Zubimendi avoids mid-season disruptions, and Arsenal protect the deal from late interest. Expect the official announcement soon after the turn of the new financial year.