For Arsenal, the beginning of the end of Zubimendi's signing began in the scorching heat of Spain's south coast as long ago as last June.

In truth, though, the journey culminating in the midfielder's arrival at Emirates Stadium was spawned well in advance of that covert visit to Andalusia last summer.

Arteta had watched Zubimendi extensively. He was taken by his ability to execute the full passing repertoire with precision and timing.

A controller of matches, Zubimendi became an obsession for the Arsenal head coach.

With that in mind, a delegation from the Emirates, including then sporting director Edu and his number two Jason Ayto, flew to Marbella for a meeting with counterparts from Real Sociedad.

To greet them in Spain was Roberto Alabe, the La Liga club's then sporting director, and president Jokin Aperribay.

For Edu and Ayto, the primary aim of their deployment was to strike a deal for Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who was an immediate target for Arsenal.

But then arrived the curveball.

Arsenal's recruitment heads explained that, while they wanted to sign Merino before the 2024-25 season, they also had designs on midfield partner Zubimendi.