Chelsea remain interested in potential move for Arsenal midfielder

Chelsea remain interested in potential move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi Transfer Latest as Chelsea Track Arsenal Midfielder for January Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close watch on Martin Zubimendi before the January transfer window, with Independent reporting that the Arsenal midfielder is being monitored alongside Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The developing situation appears to centre on availability as much as admiration. Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal in summer 2025 in a “long-awaited £60m move from Real Sociedad” and was initially a regular under Mikel Arteta. Since then, his role has shifted. The report states the midfielder “fell out of favour towards the end of last season’s title run”, a change that has naturally alerted elite clubs searching for proven quality in the middle of the pitch. Chelsea’s interest makes obvious sense. The club continue to assess midfield balance, profile and reliability, and Zubimendi is described as “one of the few of a high level potentially available in the next window”. That line matters. January is notoriously difficult for top-end recruitment, particularly in central areas, so when a player of Zubimendi’s calibre appears even remotely obtainable, attention follows quickly. Photo IMAGO Chelsea interest grows around Arsenal midfield depth Arsenal’s internal picture is also important. Arteta “still sees him as a valuable option” but the landscape has changed after the “£85m purchase of Bruno Guimaraes in the summer”. With Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes now used as the main pairing and “Myles Lewis-Skelly oftern in the mix as well”, competition is fierce. Arsenal also have separate priorities, with the report adding that they “want a transitional winger – a fast player who can carry the ball up the pitch quickly”. That strategic need could shape the market. Arsenal are “unlikely to move without first making a major sale” and that has led Chelsea and the Madrid clubs to believe “a deal may be possible for Zubimendi”. Among the midfielders available to move, he is “seen as making the most sense as an outgoing”. Martin Zubimendi price and January transfer outlook If Arsenal do open the door, the valuation looks clear. It is “expected Arsenal want to recoup the £60m at least”. For Chelsea, that would represent a significant outlay in a winter market, but also one attached to an experienced international who remains highly regarded despite reduced prominence in north London. The report also notes that 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”. His standing has not collapsed, his pathway at Arsenal has simply become more complicated. There is also a short-term fitness detail. Zubimendi is currently playing in a protective mask after suffering “a suspected broken nose” during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton last month, although he has been considered fit enough to continue playing as the injury heals. Our View It is hard to get too excited by this without seeing stronger signs that Chelsea are prepared to act decisively. Zubimendi is a good player, polished, intelligent and clearly trusted at the top level, but this feels like another familiar story where Chelsea are linked to quality without the route looking especially convincing. If Arsenal really want “to recoup the £60m at least”, then Chelsea need to be absolutely certain he transforms the midfield. That is a serious fee for a player who has apparently “fallen out of favour” at a rival. There is logic in the interest because he can control tempo and offer structure, but the squad has needed clarity for a while, not another expensive maybe. The bigger issue is whether the club are targeting a specific tactical solution or simply reacting to a possible market opportunity. Those are very different things. Chelsea have collected enough talent over recent windows. What has been missing is coherence, authority and a settled plan. Zubimendi could help, especially if the idea is to add calmness and discipline in possession, but if this turns into a drawn-out chase while other areas remain unresolved, it will feel underwhelming. Monitoring is easy. Executing the right deal at the right price is the part that matters. Until there is evidence Chelsea are genuinely leading the race and willing to meet Arsenal’s terms, this is one to watch rather than one to celebrate. Source: Independent