Arsenal to pay bigger fee than Martin Zubimendi release clause as transfer delay explained

The transfer of Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal is not anticipated to be confirmed until July, despite the player already being in London to finalise his move from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international was in the capital on Friday to meet with Gunners officials as Mikel Arteta's team close in on their first major signing of the summer window.

However, Sociedad wish for the deal to be approved next month for accounting purposes, as the current football financial year concludes on June 30.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal are also predicted to pay slightly more than Zubimendi's £51million release clause, with the final fee potentially reaching up to £55m.

The additional £4m allows them more favourable payment terms, spread over a longer duration, providing them with further flexibility in the market amidst tightening PSR regulations.

Real Madrid had been rumoured to disrupt Arsenal's pursuit of the 26-year-old following Xabi Alonso's appointment at the Bernabeu, but Zubimendi's impending transfer was already agreed in principle several months ago.