Arsenal given Martin Zubimendi worry as Real Sociedad president speaks out

Arsenal are widely believed to have all but signed Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, amid credible reports that they’ve scheduled a medical for the Spain international, but the move appears to be a bit more complex.

Arsenal reportedly set to sign Martin Zubimendi after months of talks

The Mail first shared news of Arsenal’s talks for Zubimendi all the way back in January, following efforts from ex-directors Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto to strike a pre-summer deal.

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The north Londoners are in fact interested.

Negotiations have been ongoing ever since, and trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano actually gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal way back on May 10.

Now, the BBC and other reliable media outlets share that Zubimendi is set for an imminent medical at Arsenal – strongly suggesting that the player will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as sporting director, bar a complete disaster.

However, Spanish media are beginning to state that his potential transfer isn’t quite so cut and dry.

News outlet Diario Vasco started by saying Zubimendi’s arrival could be delayed until July, mainly so Arsenal and Sociedad can register the transfer on their books as part of the next financial year, and not for 2024/2025.

COPE, meanwhile, claim to have contacted the midfielder’s entourage for clarity over his medical, and they apparently insist that one hasn’t been scheduled.

Zubimendi himself uploaded a photo of himself at Zurriola beach earlier this week too, which is in Spain’s Basque Country, suggesting he isn’t on a plane to London – at least for now.

Real Sociedad speaks out on Martin Zubimendi exit amid Arsenal claims

Speaking to El Desmarque, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has now spoken out in regards to reports that Zubimendi is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The La Liga chief heavily implied Zubimendi’s exit is by no means a done deal, and he sent a subtle message to the Spain star about remaining at his boyhood club.

“We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we’d like him to stay,” said Aperribay.

“We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not. I don’t see it happening in the short term. We don’t see it that way, so we have to wait and see.”

Given the sheer number of reliable media sources who’ve reiterated that Zubimendi appears set to become an Arsenal player, this statement from the Sociedad chief hints that Mikel Arteta’s side could still have work to do.

Zubimendi agreed to join Liverpool last summer before changing his mind at the last minute, so Gunners supporters will certainly be keeping this in mind before celebrating his capture.

Arteta will be praying that his signing does come to fruition, given Zubimendi’s glowing reputation and Arsenal’s need to replace the exit-bound Jorginho.