Arsenal Unveil New Signing Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Picture: Getty)
Xabi Alonso is ‘pushing’ Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal completed a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports in Spain.
Mikel Arteta bolstered what is already a strong and deep Arsenal midfield with the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
The Brazilian’s arrival in north London has led to speculation a current Arsenal midfielder could be moved on.
Zubimendi enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career following last summer’s £60m move from Real Sociedad but faded towards the end of the season, losing his place in the team during the run-in and for Arsenal’s Champions League final against PSG.
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Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Zubimendi is now in a ‘precarious situation’ following Guimaraes’ arrival, with his future far from ‘certain’.
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They say Real Madrid are weighing up a fresh move for Zubimendi, having missed out on the Spain World Cup and Euros winner 12 months ago.
But the La Liga giants face ‘tough competition’ from Chelsea, who are under pressure from new manager Alonso to bring Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge.
HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 05: Xabi Alonso, head coach of Chelsea, looks on in a match between Chelsea and Juventus during Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 at Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 05: Xabi Alonso, head coach of Chelsea, looks on in a match between Chelsea and Juventus during Hong Kong Football Festival 2026 at Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
Alonso worked with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad before trying to sign him during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s stance on selling Zubimendi remains unclear but Mundo Deportivo say they would want at least 90m euros (£77m) to sanction his exit.
Liverpool legend and ex-England defender Jamie Carragher questioned Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal as they were about to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal with Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes signs for Arsenal with Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 08, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said: ‘Do you think it’s the end for Zubimendi there? In terms of being what he was supposed to be when he was brought in.
‘He was supposed to come in and be this controller. I don’t see him ever getting that place back now.’
Guimaraes became Arsenal’s third signing of the summer following winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Arteta launched an audacious move for Vinicius Junior only for the Brazil icon to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
After joining Arsenal in a deal worth £75m, Guimaraes said: ‘I’m very excited. I’m at the point of my life where I need a challenge like this.
‘I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.
[DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at the end of the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans at the end of the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)](https://metro.co.uk/2026/08/08/arsenal-turn-85m-winger-missing-vinicius-junior-transfer-29328031/)
‘It’s massive what I have done so far, but I want more. I want to win for Arsenal. I want to win more trophies in my career, and I think I’m in the right place, at my peak at 28 years old.
‘I’m so excited to join. Here, wearing this shirt, you have to go for winning trophies, winning everything we can and make history.
‘I want to put my name in the club history. Someday, when I leave, I want players to come here and say I want to do exactly what Bruno did for the club.
‘I think it’s the best thing that a player can do for the club: create history and inspire the young.’
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Arsenal Unveil New Signing Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal Unveil New Signing Martin Zubimendi