Arsenal are prepared to listen to offers for Martin Zubimendi this summer, with Chelsea firmly in the frame and Real Madrid also watching developments. Credit to TeamTalk, whose reporting states the Gunners are “understood to be open to the sale of midfielder Martin Zubimendi following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United”.
Zubimendi only arrived from Real Sociedad last summer for around £60 million and played a visible role during Arsenal’s title-winning season. Yet the picture appears to have shifted quickly. TeamTalk reports that “his form dipped towards the end of the season” and that Arsenal’s £75 million move for Bruno Guimaraes has intensified competition in central midfield.
From Arsenal’s point of view, this feels less like a push to force the player out and more like a market opportunity. The report says “Arsenal are not desperate to sell the 27-year-old” and have set “an asking price of at least €90million (£77m / $104m)”. That valuation underlines both the player’s standing and the club’s desire to secure a strong return if a deal gathers momentum.
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Chelsea interest grows under Xabi AlonsoChelsea’s interest is the most eye-catching element. TeamTalk says the Blues “have emerged as strong contenders for his signature”, with new head coach Xabi Alonso a major factor. Zubimendi is described as “an ideal fit for Alonso’s preferred midfield structure” and the existing relationship between the pair adds credibility to Chelsea’s position.
There is also a wider market chain to monitor. According to the report, Chelsea could move for Zubimendi if Enzo Fernandez departs, while “Manchester City are seriously considering a move for Fernandez if Rodri leaves”. In that scenario, the article suggests a clear domino effect, “that could see Fernandez move to Man City, and Zubimendi to Chelsea”.
Real Madrid remain in backgroundReal Madrid are not leading the race at this stage, but their presence matters. TeamTalk notes that they “are also monitoring Zubimendi’s situation” after showing late interest previously. If they decide conditions are right, that could alter the shape of the market quickly.
For now, Arsenal’s stance appears measured. The final call is expected to rest with Mikel Arteta, who “still rates Zubimendi highly”. Even so, with Chelsea pushing, Madrid attentive and Guimaraes now in place, this is a situation that looks set to move over the coming weeks.
Our ViewFrom an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this report is frustrating. If Zubimendi was signed for around £60 million only a year ago, why are we already talking about selling him? Midfield depth wins major honours, and moving on a player of this quality after one season would feel reactive rather than strategic.
Yes, Bruno Guimaraes is a huge arrival, and nobody is denying that competition matters. Even so, the idea that “his form dipped towards the end of the season” should not be enough to trigger a sale discussion so quickly. Plenty of top players need a full season, sometimes longer, to settle fully and show their best in a new league and a new tactical environment.
The Chelsea angle makes it worse. Watching a player with Zubimendi’s profile walk into a direct rival’s midfield, especially under a coach who clearly values him, would be hard to accept. If Arsenal really “still rate Zubimendi highly”, then the message should be simple, keep him, rotate properly and build a squad capable of fighting on every front.
The quoted price is strong, but not every sensible financial decision is the right football decision. Supporters want to see squad building with conviction. Selling after 12 months risks sending the opposite signal, and if he thrives elsewhere, especially at Chelsea, Arsenal fans will remember this one for a long time.
Source: TeamTalk
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