Arsenal “do not plan to sell” Chelsea transfer target Martin Zubimendi for less than €90m (£77m), according to reports in the Catalan media.
Mundo Deportivo claim the Blues are vying with Real Madrid for the Spanish international’s signature.
Zubimendi’s future at the Premier League champions has been placed in doubt following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
The Brazilian is expected to start regularly alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park, which could leave Zubimendi on the bench for the most important games.
Why are Chelsea interested in the midfielder?
Journalist Simon Phillips reported on his Substack that the pursuit of Zubimendi is at the behest of manager Xabi Alonso.
Both started their careers at Real Sociedad, and Alonso will have followed the 27-year-old’s career with a great deal of interest.
It is still up for debate whether Zubimendi is a genuine target for the Blues, though, as the London club are said to be pursuing other targets as well.
Zubimendi is one of several midfield options
Alonso’s team have already submitted one bid for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott this summer, and there are rumours that a follow-up proposal will be tabled before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
The recruitment team is also long-term admirers of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, but it appears as if any move for the England international has cooled.
In terms of their respective valuations, Zubimendi will probably cost a similar amount to Scott, with Wharton said to be on the market for a slightly higher figure due to the length of time left on his contract.
Scott’s decision to reject a new deal has definitely encouraged suitors, so you would think that he is the one to keep a close eye on. Manchester United are likely to be the main rivals for his signature, with Arsenal now unlikely to pursue him. The Gunners made an enquiry several weeks ago, but they have since snapped up Guimaraes.