Chelsea keep tabs on Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi after £64m summer snub

Chelsea retain interest in Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi as January race heats up

Chelsea remain keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi after a failed summer approach, according to TEAMtalk. The 27-year-old Spaniard has played just 73 minutes this season and could push for a January exit if his lack of playing time continues, with Real Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs also circling.

Player: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal, 27, Spanish international)
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League sides
Valuation: £64m (Transfermarkt); Arsenal would demand a fee above that to sell
Current status: Chelsea have held talks with Zubimendi's entourage but Arsenal were adamant on keeping him in the summer
Why now: Just 73 minutes of football this season; talks with Mikel Arteta over a more prominent role
Key date: January transfer window

Deal details

Chelsea shortlisted Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernández before the summer transfer deadline, but a deal did not materialise. The Blues explored a move and held talks with his entourage, yet Arsenal refused to sanction a departure.

Any January deal would require a significant bid. Arsenal are likely to demand a fee above Zubimendi's £64m Transfermarkt valuation to even consider selling a player they signed only a year ago. Chelsea have remained in regular contact to understand his situation, with the report adding they remain keen admirers. Real Madrid and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also in the race.

Why Chelsea still want a midfielder

Chelsea's midfield has been a problem all season. The club brought in Jordan Henderson from Brentford and Valentin Barco from Strasbourg during the summer window, but neither has solved the lack of control. Henderson is viewed more as an experienced head to lead a young squad, while Barco is a prospect still adapting to the tenacity of the Premier League.

Before the deadline, Xabi Alonso's side sought to recruit at least one midfielder and reportedly saw late moves for Lamine Camara and Manu Kone rebuffed. Bringing in a player of Zubimendi's qualities would hand Alonso a viable midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of games and orchestrating plays from deep, addressing the theme of Chelsea's season so far.

Zubimendi's situation at Arsenal

Zubimendi has managed just 73 minutes of football this season. TEAMtalk reports that he would push for a departure in January should his lack of playing time continue. Although the 27-year-old is keen on gaining the manager's trust over the coming months, he has held talks with Mikel Arteta, who assured him of a more prominent role.

That assurance may prove decisive. Arsenal signed Zubimendi only a year ago and are under no pressure to sell, especially to a direct rival. Chelsea's regular contact with his representatives suggests they are positioning themselves for any change in his situation, but they face stern competition from several clubs, including Real Madrid and Saudi Pro League sides.

Why Mikel Arteta must find minutes for Zubimendi now

Martin Zubimendi did not move to Arsenal to sit on the bench. With only 73 minutes across the season, the Spanish midfielder is approaching the point where patience runs out and January becomes a realistic exit. Arteta's assurance of a bigger role must now translate into starts, particularly in the Premier League, or Arsenal risk losing a £64m-valued asset to Chelsea or Real Madrid.

Chelsea's midfield issues were laid bare in their Carabao Cup third-round win over Leeds United. Alonso started 16-year-old academy star Reggie Watson and Valentin Barco in midfield, and the London giants' midfield was almost nonexistent for the first 60 minutes. That lack of control has been the theme of their season, and it explains why the Blues are still monitoring a player who can dictate from deep.

Whether Arsenal would sell to Chelsea is another matter. The Gunners are adamant about retaining Zubimendi, and any deal would likely require a bid above his valuation. But if his minutes do not increase, the pressure from the player's side could force a conversation. Chelsea, Real Madrid and the Saudi clubs are waiting.

Talking points

Chelsea have needed a controlling midfielder all season, yet their summer business brought in Henderson and Barco instead of an instant starter. Is Zubimendi the right fix, or another expensive gamble?
Arsenal signed Zubimendi a year ago and will demand above £64m, but selling to a direct rival would send a poor message unless he is genuinely surplus to requirements.
Zubimendi's talks with Arteta suggest he still wants to succeed at Arsenal, but 73 minutes tells its own story. How long should he wait before pushing for a January exit?
Real Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs add another layer. If Zubimendi becomes available, Chelsea's regular contact may not be enough to win the race.

What happens next

Zubimendi's minutes over the coming weeks will determine whether Chelsea, Real Madrid or Saudi clubs get a genuine opportunity in January. Arsenal's stance remains firm, but the player's desire for a more prominent role, assured by Arteta, must be delivered on the pitch. If it is not, Chelsea are ready to return with a significant bid above his £64m valuation.

Frequently asked questions

Are Chelsea signing Martin Zubimendi in January?

Chelsea remain keen on Zubimendi and have stayed in regular contact to understand his situation, but no deal is agreed. Arsenal were adamant on retaining him in the summer and would likely demand a fee above his £64m valuation.