Chelsea Eye Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi Amid Bruno Guimaraes Pursuit
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly expressed interest in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi. This comes as Arsenal are pursuing Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, which could impact Zubimendi’s role at the Emirates Stadium. A transfer remains unconfirmed, with Arsenal looking to maintain squad depth after winning the Premier League title.
Martin Zubimendi provided vital midfield stability for Arsenal alongside Declan Rice during their 2025/26 Premier League title win and Champions League run. The 27-year-old Spain international had a strong first season at the Emirates Stadium after joining from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal
clubArsenal are considering their options, with the potential arrival of Bruno Guimaraes possibly affecting Zubimendi’s position in the team. Chelsea, meanwhile, are rebuilding their midfield under Xabi Alonso, who has expressed admiration for Zubimendi’s abilities.
Martin Zubimendi’s Role at Chelsea
If signed, Martin Zubimendi would likely play a key role in Chelsea’s midfield, potentially alongside new signing Jordan Henderson. Zubimendi’s experience in the Premier League and his ability to provide stability in midfield could make him an attractive option for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Chelsea
clubChelsea’s Midfield Competition
Zubimendi would face competition for a starting spot from existing Chelsea midfielders, including Enzo Fernandez. However, with Andrey Santos leaving the club, there may be an opportunity for Zubimendi to establish himself as a key player in the team.
Transfer Spending and Wage Bill
If Chelsea were to sign Martin Zubimendi, the transfer fee and weekly wages would need to be considered. With Arsenal potentially reluctant to sell to a rival, the fee could be high. Chelsea would need to weigh the cost of signing Zubimendi against other transfer targets and their overall wage bill.
Table of potential transfer costs:
| Transfer Fee | Weekly Wages |
|---|---|
| £40-50m | £100,000-150,000 |
Data via CaughtOffside / Simon Phillips Report.