Arsenal deals to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi aren’t expected to be announced until next week, according to a report.
Dharmesh Sheth reports that Kepa Arrizabalaga’s transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal is expected next week, and Martin Zubimendi’s move from Real Sociedad could also come next week.
Arsenal have already triggered Kepa’s release clause at Chelsea, and the goalkeeper has completed a medical and agreed personal terms.
In Zubimendi’s case, Sheth adds that despite the delay in the announcement, there’s every expectation the midfielder will be part of the Arsenal squad that travels to Singapore and Hong Kong for pre-season next month.
The Zubimendi deal was always reported to require some patience from the fans, with claims that both Arsenal and Real Sociedad had agreed to push it back until July for financial reasons.
By formally completing the transfer on July 1st or later, the clubs can include it in their 2025/26 accounts, rather than their 2024/25 books.
Technically, the clubs could have already announced the deal in advance of its formal completion, but Arsenal rarely operate that way. If a deal isn’t completely done, they won’t confirm it.
As for Kepa, that deal is more recent, with Arsenal only completing the formalities in the last couple of days. So it’s no real surprise it could take a few more days to get all the paperwork sent off and the announcement videos ready.
In both cases, there’s no doubt that the deals will happen. Arsenal will just take their time like usual.