Arsenal are not expected to complete the signing of Martin Zubimendi before the transfer window closes…but do not fret, the next transfer window will open in six days’ time.
The summer transfer window has been split in two this season, because of the Club World Cup competition taking place in the United States of America.
To give those teams taking part – and everyone else – the opportunity to strengthen their squads prior to the group stages kicking off, FIFA opened the transfer window early on June 1 this year.
However, it will shut at 7pm today (June 10) ahead of the start of the tournament, with the transfer window reopening in full on Monday, June 16 until it closes for the summer on September 1 as usual.
Arsenal do expect to bring Martin Zubimendi to the club, despite Real Madrid trying to hijack the deal, but it will not be done before the first deadline on Tuesday night.
The Gunners have worked hard behind the scenes to seal a deal for the Spanish international midfielder, who will effectively replace Jorginho in the squad, for a fee in the region of £51million.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the midfielder, who scored in Spain’s 2-2 Nations League final draw with Portugal on Sunday that ended with them losing 5-3 on penalties, and could have signed him last summer.
Zubimendi could also have moved to Liverpool, but the move broke down at the last moment, with the 26-year-old opting to stay with Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid are trying to convince the player to reject Arsenal and move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but football.london understands Arsenal remain confident of tying up a deal, just not in time for the first deadline.
The Gunners will look to complete the deal when the summer transfer window reopens on June 16.
