Chelsea Plot Shock Swoop For Arsenal Midfielder

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window, as the Spain international continues to fall down the pecking order at the Emirates.

Why Zubimendi Could Be On The Move

The 27-year-old lost his starting role under Mikel Arteta back in May and hasn’t reclaimed a Premier League start since. With Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Bruno Guimaraes all preferred in central midfield, minutes have been hard to come by for the former Real Sociedad star.

Things came to a head during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Ipswich Town, when Zubimendi was deployed out of position at right-back — a decision he’s said to have been unhappy with.

Real Madrid’s Interest Meets Chelsea Competition

Real Madrid have already been exploring a January move for the Spaniard, but they may not have it all their own way. Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation closely, largely thanks to head coach Xabi Alonso’s existing bond with the player.

Alonso previously coached Zubimendi at Sociedad B and later tried to sign him for Real Madrid during his time in charge there — a relationship that could give the Blues a genuine edge if talks progress.

What Happens Next For Zubimendi

With regular football clearly a priority for the midfielder, Arsenal may find themselves needing to make a call in January: restore him to the starting XI or risk losing him to a Premier League rival.