There’s always this worry that something crazy could happen, especially in football transfers. With Zubimendi, it sounds like everything was ready—contract signed, medical about to happen, Arsenal fans buzzing. But I’ve seen this before: if Real Madrid suddenly comes in with an offer, things can flip fast. Players dream of playing at the Bernabeu. If Madrid promise him a starting spot or more money at the last second, who knows?

Personally, I’d be freaking out if I was an Arsenal fan right now. It’s like being told you got the best present, but someone might snatch it out of your hands before you open it. But I have to say, the reports look solid—Arsenal agreed to the full release clause, Zubimendi is set on London, and Arteta pushed hard to get him. Usually once you’ve signed papers, it’s pretty much done, but nothing is 100% until he’s holding up the Arsenal shirt. I guess until that happens, I wouldn’t be totally confident.