Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made his interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi clear to the club’s hierarchy, according to sources close to the Spanish coach.
Xabi Alonso Tells Chelsea He Wants Arsenal Star Martin Zubimendi
The former Bayer Leverkusen boss views the Spain international as the missing piece in his Chelsea rebuild, despite the club already spending heavily on new arrivals this summer.
Alonso knows Zubimendi intimately from their time together at Real Sociedad B, where he coached the midfielder during his formative years.
The Chelsea manager helped sharpen Zubimendi’s understanding of the number six position, and the player has since described Alonso as an idol and a major influence on his career.
The 26-year-old eventually joined Arsenal last summer for approximately £56 million, ending years of interest from leading European clubs including Liverpool.
His debut season in England proved spectacular, with the Gunners winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final. Zubimendi made 57 appearances and scored six goals across all competitions.
Chelsea’s pursuit comes at a complicated time. Arsenal have just agreed a £75 million deal with Newcastle for Bruno Guimarães, leading many to question whether the north London club would consider selling Zubimendi.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have no intention of offloading the midfielder following Bruno’s arrival.
The timing also raises eyebrows because Chelsea have already strengthened their midfield options.
Morgan Rogers has joined for power and creativity, Jordan Henderson arrived on a free transfer to provide leadership, and ValentÃn Barco can operate in central areas following his move from Strasbourg.
Yet none of those signings offer exactly what Zubimendi provides. Moisés Caicedo remains Chelsea’s defensive engine, and Enzo Fernández can control possession and break lines with his passing.
However, Alonso has consistently preferred a specialist organiser sitting at the base of midfield.
The club have received no formal approach from Chelsea, and there is no suggestion an offer has been submitted or negotiations opened with Zubimendi’s representatives.
Arsenal hold the player under contract until 2030 and would have little motivation to strengthen a London rival.
Any serious proposal would likely need to exceed the £56 million they paid only a year ago.
Alonso may know exactly how to unlock Zubimendi’s potential, but persuading Arsenal to let him try presents a far bigger challenge.
