Explained: Why Martin Zubimendi may not join Arsenal until JULY despite midfielder jetting into London ahead of £52m move

Zubimendi has reportedly jetted into London to complete the final touches of a £52m move to the Gunners, in a transfer saga which was reported as being close to completion back in January. Real Madrid were interested in the midfielder, but did not succeed in a late hijack attempt.

Arsenal fans may need to wait a little longer to see the Spaniard officially unveiled as one of their own, though, as Real Sociedad have expressed a desire to finalise the deal in July so that the profits count towards the next financial year. From the perspective of the Spanish club, a July sale of Zubimendi means that they will have more scope for transfer business during the final two months of the summer transfer window. The football financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, with clubs only allowed to lose a certain amount of money each year.

Arsenal and Real Sociedad have done business several times in recent years, including last summer's £32m purchase of Mikel Merino by the Gunners and a previous loan move for Kieran Tierney in the opposite direction. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also a former Sociedad player, and the two clubs maintain a good relationship.

Arsenal are expected to honour Sociedad's wishes and announce Zubimendi as a Gunners player in July. The Spanish international will then join up with Arteta's squad for pre-season ahead of the new Premier League campaign in August.