Arsenal have completed the relevant paperwork for the transfer of Martin Zubimendi with an official announcement imminent.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have completed the relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad for the transfer of Martin Zubimendi. There’s no clarity whether the midfielder has already undergone medical tests, though an official announcement from the Gunners seems imminent to confirm the move.

Martin Zubimendi has edged further closer to becoming Arsenal’s first signing of the summer. The midfielder arrived in London. Earlier on Friday, David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed the Spanish international had arrived in the English capital to finalise his move, and it appears the deal is done and dusted.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have completed all relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad to seal the transfer. An announcement on the transfer seems imminent from the Gunners, as the 26-year-old midfield technician is likely to be the first signing through the door this summer at the Emirates.

The move comes at the right time as talks with Thomas Partey may have collapsed, which could see the Ghanaian midfielder depart on a free transfer. Whether that is the direct result of the Zubimendi transfer remains to be seen, although the Spaniard will be seen as an upgrade in the midfield position.

Despite this deal with Real Sociedad being agreed upon back in January, Andrea Berta has played a key role in finalising this move despite his arrival midway through the last six months. The Gunners have reportedly paid slightly more than his €60 million release clause, which has enabled them to structure payment terms with the Spanish giants rather than pay the entire fee in one single payment.

Arsenal were never in doubt over Martin Zubimendi’s transfer

Arsenal had agreed a move for the 26-year-old midfield technician since January as per multiple sources. However, there were rumours that Zubimendi had put the brakes on the move following further rumours of Real Madrid’s interest, which was never the case.

Arsenal’s deal with Real Sociedad was pushed until July 1st, for accounting purposes, as the Spanish side wanted the move to be recorded for the next financial year. Beyond that, the Gunners were never in doubt over the midfielder’s move, as they have now completed the transfer with an official announcement imminent.