Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is pushing to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
The Spain international joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad last summer after a lengthy transfer saga. He had a good debut campaign.
Zubimendi was a mainstay alongside Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield and made a few crucial goal contributions in the Premier League.
However, his form and performance levels dipped during the final phase of the season, and he was ultimately dropped to the bench in May.
Club graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly got the regular nod to start over him. The youngster managed to keep his place in the Champions League final too.
Arsenal have just signed a marquee midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes, which has now increased speculation that Zubimendi could be on his way out.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso was eager to bring Zubimendi to Real Madrid when he was their manager last year, and the Spanish tactician is still interested in signing him.
Madrid could also return for the 27-year-old, but Mundo Deportivo claim Chelsea could prove a tough obstacle with Alonso now ‘pushing’ for Zubimendi at the west London giants.
Arsenal won’t sell their midfielder for less than £77 million.
Zubimendi could leave Arsenal for the right price
The Spaniard played an integral part in the club’s long-awaited title success last campaign, but he will be disappointed after losing his starting role in the final weeks of the season.
His situation could become tougher next term, given Guimaraes is expected to partner Rice in the centre of the park, while Arsenal have Mikel Merino and Lewis-Skelly in reserve too.
Zubimendi could open the door for a late summer transfer as a result. Madrid would be a good destination for him. Los Blancos could target his signature, having missed out on Rodri.
Chelsea are mentioned as a transfer option due to Alonso’s solid bond with the midfielder. The 44-year-old was once the manager of Real Sociedad B, where Zubimendi played under him.
Alonso was eager to reunite with Zubimendi at Madrid last year, but Arsenal won the race for his services.
Hence, the transfer link does not surprise us, but Alonso may not provide him a guaranteed starting league role at Chelsea either unless they part ways with Enzo Fernandez soon.
Fernandez is the subject of interest from Man City as they seek a replacement for Rodri.
Arsenal could be willing to sell Zubimendi for £77m, but there are no formal offers for now.
