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Players who featured regularly during a successful title campaign can find their roles reduced once the squad is strengthened in the same area. Those changes often attract attention from other clubs, particularly when the individual has a prior connection with a manager elsewhere. Supporters on both sides tend to watch developments closely when a midfielder’s minutes drop significantly in the early months of a new season.
The Spanish international has yet to start a Premier League match this term and has been limited to brief substitute appearances. His reduced involvement follows the arrival of another central midfielder and the continued development of a younger option in the same position. Any sustained lack of game time can prompt questions about whether a move might be considered if the right offer arrives.
Chelsea are monitoring Martin Zubimendi’s situation at Arsenal ahead of a potential move. The Spaniard has not started a Premier League game for Arsenal this season, totalling just 100 minutes across six substitute appearances. He signed for the Gunners from Real Sociedad in 2025 and was a regular during the club’s title success last season. However, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence as a midfield option and the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has seen Zubimendi lose his place.
Chelsea considered a bid in the summer as Xabi Alonso targets a new midfielder. Enzo Fernandez’s exit for Manchester City on deadline day has left Chelsea light in central midfield, after failed moves to sign Manu Kone and Lamine Camara late in the summer. Zubimendi is a player Alonso knows well from their time at Sociedad. Alonso coached Zubimendi for the La Liga B side during his first step into senior coaching.
El Nacional claim Real Madrid are ready to rival Chelsea for the 27-year-old’s signature, should Arsenal be open to a sale. Arsenal are reportedly prepared to listen to offers in excess of €60m (£50.2m) for the Spain international. That valuation reflects the fee paid when he arrived from Sociedad and the role he played in the title-winning campaign.
Zubimendi’s limited minutes this season have become a talking point as the campaign progresses. His quality in possession and ability to control the tempo remain evident when he does feature, yet competition for places in midfield is currently intense. Arsenal’s willingness to consider offers above a certain level suggests the club would only entertain a departure if the financial return is substantial.
Chelsea’s interest is linked to Alonso’s existing relationship with the player and the need to reinforce the midfield after recent departures. Real Madrid’s reported readiness to compete adds another layer of potential competition if Arsenal decide to listen to proposals. Any concrete movement would depend on both the player’s desire for more regular football and the clubs reaching agreement on a fee.
The situation remains fluid as the season continues. Zubimendi will hope to force his way back into the starting side through strong performances when given the opportunity. Arsenal will assess whether his reduced role continues or whether he can re-establish himself as a key figure in the midfield. Further updates on Chelsea’s monitoring are expected if the player’s involvement does not increase in the coming weeks.