Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer delay explained as Andrea Berta faces Real Madrid problem

Arsenal have been thrown a curveball in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as .

Zubimendi, who sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire in June 2027, featured 36 times in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Despite his efforts, .

While the Basque outfit missed out on European football, Zubimendi still managed to impress. football.london understands that , who has a release clause in his contract worth €60m (£52.3m).

The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi since the summer of 2023, with Arteta said to be a big fan. football.london also understands that .

However, if reports from Spain are to be believed, Andrea Berta has encountered a problem. On Wednesday afternoon, reported that in order to pay the fee in instalments.

The report claims that this way, the player's representatives won't have to take the Gunners' bid to La Liga, and they can arrange the transfer in-house. states this happens when: "the sale—even with the money from the clause—is not made in an agreed and amicable manner."

The Spanish newspaper claims that this could delay any official approval of the deal until July. Meanwhile, the have reported that all the relevant paperwork has been signed, and Zubimendi's transfer to Arsenal is now subject to a medical.

The Real Sociedad president recently announced that the Spain international's future will be resolved next month. Speaking on , Jokin Aperribay said: "We'll see what happens.

"All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe, and whatever happens, will happen in June. There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there.

"He's had several opportunities to leave, and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options. I don't remember our last conversation [with Zubimendi]. When I talk to him, it's more about goals, pushing...

"There's one month left, and we're playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. I don't know if it's difficult for him to stay. We haven't tried to raise the clause.

"Don't think contracts are negotiated like that. It's more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don't know if it's difficult."

In an emotional interview with earlier this month, Zubimendi appeared to hint at his departure. As quoted by , he said: "We get used to so many good things happening to me.

"But sometimes you have to slow down, look back and realise everything you’re experiencing and everything you’ve achieved. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to experience many good things with Real Sociedad, many dreams come true. Europa League, Champions League, a title.

"I couldn’t ask for more..."