Chelsea monitoring £55m Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of possible 2027 move

Chelsea are monitoring Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of a possible 2027 move, according to El Nacional. The 27-year-old is valued at £55 million on Transfermarkt and has seen his game time limited at the Emirates this season.

  • Player: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal, 27)
  • Valuation: £55 million (Transfermarkt)
  • Interested club: Chelsea
  • Potential move: 2027
  • Context: Zubimendi has lost regular starts at Arsenal this season
  • Reported by: El Nacional

Deal details

According to El Nacional, Chelsea are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The report does not specify a fee beyond his £55 million Transfermarkt valuation, nor does it indicate whether Chelsea would move in January or wait until summer 2027. The stage of the link is rumour, with no formal approach reported.

Zubimendi was a key fixture in the Arsenal side that won the Premier League last year. However, the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes and the utility of Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield have affected his game time at the Emirates Stadium this year, which might compel him to consider his options in 2027 to play more regularly.

Why Chelsea want Zubimendi

Chelsea suffered a surprise defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in last Saturday's London Derby. The loss was their third in the Premier League this season and though they remain fifth in the standings, there are some clearly visible tactical shortcomings.

Xabi Alonso's side has been physically outplayed and outnumbered in midfield in all of its winless matches so far in the campaign, and failure to replace Enzo Fernandez has worked against the Blues, who need to bring in a midfielder sooner rather than later.

Alonso was keen on bringing in the former Real Sociedad star to Real Madrid as well last year, before the Gunners acquired his services. Zubimendi would be the ideal fit in the Chelsea double pivot alongside Moises Caicedo, offering superb utility without the ball through a strong work-rate and physical dominance, while in possession he helps dictate tempo in tight spaces, resists pressure well and plays intelligent forward passes.

What happens next

Whether Chelsea are planning on signing him in January or are ready to wait until next summer remains to be seen, but it's fair to think Mikel Arteta would want to hold onto Zubimendi at least for the remainder of this season as he is a key fixture for Arsenal as far as squad depth is concerned. The Blues' next Premier League fixture will be a test of their midfield resolve, and any move for Zubimendi would likely hinge on Arsenal's willingness to sell to a London rival.

Frequently asked questions

Is Martin Zubimendi leaving Arsenal for Chelsea?

Chelsea are monitoring Zubimendi ahead of a possible 2027 move, according to El Nacional, but no formal approach has been reported.

How much is Martin Zubimendi worth?

He is valued at £55 million on Transfermarkt.

Why has Zubimendi lost his place at Arsenal?

The signing of Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly's utility in midfield have affected his game time this season.

Talking points

  • Would Arsenal really sell to Chelsea, a direct rival? The report suggests a 2027 move, but the Gunners hold the cards.
  • Zubimendi's £55m valuation seems reasonable for a 27-year-old with Premier League title experience.
  • Chelsea's midfield issues are clear: without Enzo Fernandez, they've been overrun. Zubimendi could be the fix.
  • Xabi Alonso's interest dates back to his Real Madrid days—does that make Chelsea favourites if Arsenal open the door?

Analysis: Why Zubimendi fits Alonso's midfield rebuild

Martin Zubimendi has found himself on the periphery at Arsenal this season, but his profile remains highly coveted. Xabi Alonso knows him well from his time at Real Sociedad and attempted to bring him to Real Madrid last year. Now at Chelsea, Alonso faces a midfield that has been physically outplayed and outnumbered in every winless match this campaign. The failure to replace Enzo Fernandez has been glaring.

Zubimendi's strengths align perfectly with Alonso's needs. In a double pivot alongside Moises Caicedo, he would provide tactical discipline, physical presence, and the ability to dictate tempo in tight spaces. His work-rate off the ball would help Chelsea compete in the middle third, while his intelligent forward passes would improve their progression. The reported £55m fee is significant but not prohibitive for a player of his quality.

However, Arsenal may resist selling to a rival. Mikel Arteta values Zubimendi's squad depth, especially with Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly capable of filling in. A January exit seems unlikely; a summer 2027 move is more plausible if Zubimendi pushes for regular football.

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