Arsenal and Real Sociedad have now completed all the paperwork for Martin Zubimendi’s transfer, with contracts signed after a visit to London on Friday.
David Ornstein and James McNicholas reported for The Athletic on Friday that Martin Zubimendi was in London to meet with Arsenal officials and complete the formalities of his transfer.
Later in the day, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the paperwork was all done and signed, both with the player and his current club Real Sociedad.
Romano wrote that Zubimendi has completed all the formal steps of his move, with the Gunners to pay a fee of around €64-65m (£54.8-55.7m) to acquire the midfielder.
The Athletic were one of many sources to confirm that Zubimendi has a €60m release clause in his contract, but Arsenal agreed to pay an extra €4-5m in return for a more favourable payment plan.
Paying the release clause would mean offering up the entire €60m upfront, but the Gunners will now instead be able to send the money in instalments over the coming years.
The move has long been regarded by Arsenal as a done deal, but it will be a relief to supporters to hear that the player has put pen to paper.
Now we just need to wait for the club to officially announce the move, which may not happen immediately.
There’s been some speculation that Arsenal are delaying the official announcement until July for financial reasons, allowing both themselves and Real Sociedad to include it in their 2025/26 accounts.
But from the sounds of things, the transfer will be complete in time for Zubimendi to join Arsenal from the start of pre-season, which will kick off over the next fortnight.