Mikel Arteta_v5
Arsenal transfer news has taken a sharp turn with Chelsea approaching Martín Zubimendi and Arsenal refusing to lose their £55.8m midfielder to a London rival.
Arsenal transfer news: £55.8m star Martín Zubimendi stays put after Chelsea approach
According to The Sun, Chelsea asked about the 27-year-old Spaniard as they searched for a replacement for Enzo Fernández, whose proposed £125m move to Manchester City created an urgent midfield gap. Arsenal rejected the approach and told Zubimendi that Mikel Arteta sees him as a key part of the squad. The report adds that Xabi Alonso remains an admirer, having tried to sign Zubimendi for Real Madrid last year. Transfer Feed carried the report, citing The Sun.
Zubimendi’s status has changed since Bruno Guimarães arrived. The Spaniard remains a top-level midfielder, yet his minutes have dropped this season, with short appearances against Manchester City, Coventry City and Aston Villa. That shift could explain Chelsea’s timing, but Arsenal had little reason to help a direct rival at the last moment.
The tactical decision
Zubimendi’s first Arsenal season showed why Arteta values him. He made 38 Premier League appearances, started 34, played 3,005 minutes, scored five goals and supplied one assist, while helping Arsenal win the league and reach the Champions League final. His passing, positioning and calmness gave Arteta a midfield base.
The arrival of Guimarães changes the selection picture. Myles Lewis-Skelly adds an option, while Zubimendi’s late-season bench spells and current cameo role suggest he isn’t guaranteed every start.
The Chelsea question
For me, Arsenal made the right call. Selling a 27-year-old midfielder with elite distribution to Chelsea on deadline day would have created a problem that money couldn’t solve quickly. Zubimendi can still influence matches across a gruelling schedule, and his press resistance gives Arteta another control option beside Rice or Guimarães.
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His Spain pedigree, including Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, adds evidence of his level. Alonso’s interest makes sense, but Arsenal’s refusal sends a clear message that rotation doesn’t mean surplus, and Zubimendi still has a serious role in this side.