Arsenal believe £51m Martin Zubimendi transfer from Real Sociedad is 'done and signed' as reason for delay on official announcement & truth about Real Madrid interest revealed

The Gunners are said to have triggered the £51 million ($69m) release clause in Zubimendi’s contract. The Spain international is now poised to complete a transfer to Emirates Stadium.

No switch has been confirmed as yet, but Premier League heavyweights in north London are adamant that they have got their man. The Athletic reports as much, with Arsenal confident that any late drama in negotiations can be avoided.

It is claimed that Real Sociedad have “expressed a preference for the deal to be ratified in July for accounting purposes”, meaning that Zubimendi will still be cleared to link up with the Gunners for pre-season training.

There were suggestions that Real Madrid were prepared to make a play for Zubimendi, but The Athletic states that “the 15-time European champions like the player but did not pursue or actively work on recruiting him”.

Zubimendi is now set to become another holding midfield option in Mikel Arteta’s plans, with the 26-year-old ready to take on a new challenge in England after making 236 appearances for Sociedad.