Chelsea one of three clubs keen on Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi for January transfer

Real Madrid , Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are monitoring Arsenal ’s Martin Zubimendi ahead of a potential January move. The three clubs all have a need for a midfielder, and the Spanish international is viewed as one of the few of a high level potentially available in the next window. Having initially been a fixture in Mikel Arteta ’s midfield after a long-awaited £60m move from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, Zubimendi fell out of favour towards the end of last season’s title run. Martin Zubimendi is wanted by three major clubs in the January transfer window (Getty) The Arsenal manager still sees him as a valuable option in a midfield where he likes having a number of potential configurations, but the squad now has an abundance of options in that area after the £85m purchase of Bruno Guimaraes in the summer. Arteta has been using the Brazilian and Declan Rice as his primary midfield two of late, with Myles Lewis-Skelly oftern in the mix as well, and that comes as he also intends on bolstering a comparatively thin forward line in the summer. Arsenal want a transitional winger – a fast player who can carry the ball up the pitch quickly – but are unlikely to move without first making a major sale. That is what has led the two Madrid clubs and Chelsea to feel a deal may be possible for Zubimendi, who is seen as making the most sense as an outgoing. Zubimendi, who is currently wearing a protective face mask while he plays, could be available to leave the Gunners (Getty) Should that be possible, it would be expected Arsenal want to recoup the £60m at least. Despite falling out of favour, Zubimendi was still a key player in a title season, and played a significant part in the Ferran Torres goal that won Spain the World Cup in July. The Spaniard is currently wearing a protective mask while he plays after suffering a suspected broken nose during the closing stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton last month. Having come on as an 80th minute substitute, Zubimendi took a blow to the face and required treatment – but has been deemed fit enough to play, while donning the facewear as the injury heals.