Chelsea have reportedly identified Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez if the midfielder leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.
Manchester City continue to push for Fernandez, with Chelsea demanding around €140million after rejecting a reported €120m verbal approach.
Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill has now revealed a new name Chelsea could consider if that transfer eventually goes through.
Arsenal midfielder Zubimendi is on the radar, with Xabi Alonso understood to be a major admirer of the Spain international.
🚨 If Enzo Fernandez leaves:
One new name I have heard is Martin Zubimendi, though recent checks at Arsenal suggested he is expected to stay. Alonso is a fan of Zubimendi and vice versa.
(@kierangill_DM) #CFC pic.twitter.com/RDA7YTL7Zr
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) August 19, 2026
Martin Zubimendi Chelsea interest linked to Enzo exit
Gill reports that Alonso is a fan of Zubimendi and that the admiration is mutual.
Any potential move would be extremely difficult.
Recent checks with Arsenal indicate the Premier League champions expect Zubimendi to remain at the Emirates Stadium, meaning there is currently no suggestion they are preparing to sanction his departure.
The 27-year-old only joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in July 2025 and became an important part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Chelsea’s interest is therefore best viewed as contingency planning rather than an active transfer pursuit.
That planning could become increasingly important if Manchester City bridge the gap for Fernandez.
ReadChelsea reported that City have already made a fresh approach while Chelsea continue to demand €140m.
Alonso already knows what he wants from Enzo replacement
Zubimendi would give Chelsea a different profile to Fernandez.
He is comfortable operating at the base of midfield, controlling possession and providing structure behind more attacking players.
That familiarity with Alonso’s preferred style could explain why his name has entered the conversation.
Chelsea are already making long-term decisions elsewhere in the squad. ReadChelsea reported on Wednesday that Joao Pedro has signed improved terms as Alonso’s attacking hierarchy becomes clearer.
Fernandez remains a Chelsea player and Arsenal expect Zubimendi to stay.
But if City eventually meet Chelsea’s demands, Alonso appears to have another elite midfielder in mind.
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