Arsenal have been tipped to secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for several months now so why hasn’t the deal been announced?

The Spanish international has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract and the Gunners are expected to pay the amount in full.

Yet, despite claims from various reliable sources (including David Ornstein) that the move is expected to go ahead, Zubimendi’s switch has not been finalised.

His medical has not taken place and there is no indication that he will travel to the UK anytime soon.

What has delayed Zubimendi’s move?

Writing in The Athletic‘s Transfer DealSheet column, reporter James McNicholas confirmed that Real Sociedad are holding things up for one specific reason.

They “have expressed a preference” for the transfer to be confirmed at the beginning of July “for accounting purposes.”

That suggests an issue related to Financial Fair Play and it seems that Arsenal are more than happy to accomodate Real Sociedad’s request.

Arsenal fans should probably ignore rumours

There have been multiple stories in recent weeks suggesting that Real Madrid could hijack the move for Zubimendi, while Liverpool and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the player.

However, for all intents and purposes, it appears as if the 26-year-old is already a Gunner. The paperwork has pretty much been sorted and, while he does still need to undergo a medical, there should not be any further complications.

Of course, supporters will be keen to see Zubimendi holding up an Arsenal shirt as soon as possible, but it looks like they will have to wait almost an entire month for that to happen. In the mean time, Mikel Arteta’s side will be busy pursuing other signings.

Read more, as we look at the three wingers that Arsenal could potentially buy this summer

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