Chelsea are said to be looking at Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they consider potential reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. The 27-year-old Spain international is understood to be one of a number of names on Chelsea’s radar.
Zubimendi’s role at the Emirates Stadium has dropped quite a lot this season after the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Spaniard has started just once under Mikel Arteta this term, and that was in an unfamiliar right-back role.
His marginalisation is striking given how prominent he was in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign of 2025-26 after arriving from Real Sociedad. The Spaniard featured in every Premier League game last season and made 57 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea’s interest is no secret, with Xabi Alonso said to be the main mastermind behind an attempted move last summer. Arsenal rejected that approach, and the Blues were told they would have to pay at least £77 million for the midfielder in August.
Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation, but if Zubimendi continues to be marginalised, he could push for a move in January. The Blues could be readying an offer of around £60m for the midfielder.
Chelsea spread thin in midfield after Enzo Fernandez exit
The Blues’ need for midfield reinforcements primarily comes from the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City in the summer window. They failed to find a replacement on deadline day, with moves for Monaco’s Lamine Camara falling through.
To add to the woes, Moises Caicedo has been hampered by a recurring calf injury and has had limited involvement this season. Alonso has therefore recruited full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto to plug the numbers gap in the middle.
The Blues have also handed opportunities to academy midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, 16, who made his Premier League debut against Brentford. Chelsea resume their campaign against Bournemouth on October 10, with Alonso hoping for more midfield solidity.