Chelsea remain keen on signing Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal with Xabi Alonso a big admirer

Chelsea have now lost four matches in 10 Premier League outings so far this season, and following their defeat to Sunderland ahead of the international break, questions were again asked about the depth and quality in their midfield.

Since Enzo Fernandez’s exit in the summer, the Blues have not signed a capable enough replacement but that could change in the January transfer window with the club believed to be open to doing business prior to the second half of the campaign.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with Xabi Alonso personally admiring the player having also asked for his purchase as a Real Madrid manager in the summer of 2025.

Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad last year and though he was a central figure of their title-winning side, Bruno Guimaraes’ purchase this summer has seen the Spaniard drop down the pecking order, with his future now under doubt.

Zubimendi an excellent signing for Chelsea

While he would not be a like-for-like replacement for Enzo Fernandez, particularly from an offensive standpoint, Martin Zubimendi promises to be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, who can significantly lift their level in the second half of the season.

Zubimendi is very intelligent, composed on the ball and can control tempo from the engine room with his short passing, close control and press resistance, whilst also being able to break the lines with vertical passes.

The 27-year-old has a strong work-rate without the ball as he proactively makes tackles and interceptions, covers empty spaces in the middle of the park and is very effective at winning aerial and physical duels against the opposition.

He is valued at £60 million by Arsenal and promises to be an affordable acquisition for Chelsea, who will face competition from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid for his purchase. The Spaniard is open to departing Arsenal to play more regularly.

It will be interesting to see if Chelsea seriously consider Zubimendi’s purchase from Arsenal or prefer a younger option in Alex Scott, who will be more expensive but provides more versatility in midfield and is a younger player too.