The summer transfer window has opened and closed. Arsenal are still waiting to get a deal for Martin Zubimendi over the line. It is among the worst-kept secrets in the game.
Despite interest from Real Madrid, which emerged in January, football.london understands that the Spain midfielder is still expected to move to England later this year. The only thing left to complete is a medical.
However, that has not stopped the Madrid media from doing their thing, drumming up drama around Zubimendi. After it had been revealed that Arsenal snuck under everyone’s gaze to agree a deal with Zubimendi six months ago, the Spanish press played their part in trying to unsettle matters.
It has been claimed that Zubimendi is still considering his options and that Madrid would make a late push to turn his head. Nevertheless, it is believed that Zubimendi is set on the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will now have to wait until June 16, at the earliest, to confirm a transfer. That is because the window has closed for a week leading up to the Club World Cup.
It could take even longer again for Arsenal to make the news public and official. It has been said that they want to put the deal onto next year’s accounts for financial reasons.
That would mean that Zubimendi would not become an Arsenal player until July 1. That is still three weeks before the first game of pre-season in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Madrid have their own commitments. Unlike Arsenal, the June 10 deadline at 7pm did actually mean something for them. With the Club World Cup set to start at the weekend, Madrid knew that they had to get things in line with FIFA regulations and registration before then in order to have players available for the group stage.
There is a second window open for squad changes ahead of the knockout rounds, but given how the tournament impedes on pre-season, the extra three matches and two weeks would be vital for managers.
Xabi Alonso has already had to come into the club with plenty to sort out, including the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Madrid are looking at a bit of a rebuild after a poor year and could be drawn to sell winger Rodrygo. Arsenal are thought to be among the interested sides.
The mini transfer window closing does mean that attention for those involved in the Club World Cup will now likely shift from buying players to action on the field and preparations. For Arsenal, that should mean the noise around Zubimendi vanishes.
Even if Madrid were to make a play for him, they have now lost an extra week to get him in and know that there are bigger and more important things to focus on. Arsenal, on the other hand, have plenty of time to get themselves ready.
They are not bound by the Club World Cup and do not have to worry about any deadlines or registration windows. All that is left for them is to get Zubimendi over to north London and in an Arsenal kit ready for an announcement.
Madrid have been playing catchup throughout 2025 on this one and now have surely left it too late. They are going to America with changes afoot. To persuade Zubimendi to have a change of heart at this stage would be a step too far, even for them.
