Chelsea linked with shock move for Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi

Thursday 12 November 2026 · 07:00 UK time

Chelsea have been linked with a surprise January move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports suggesting the Spaniard's future at the Emirates is in doubt.

Football.London reports that Chelsea and Real Madrid could end up in a bidding war for Zubimendi, with the outlet describing an "Arsenal dilemma" over his situation and suggesting his long-term future at the club is far from settled (Football.London).

The Mirror goes further, claiming Xabi Alonso is "plotting" a January swoop for the midfielder, who it says has become something of a forgotten man at Arsenal after dropping down the pecking order. The same report adds that Chelsea face competition not just from Real Madrid but also Atletico Madrid, who believe they too can land the Spaniard (Mirror).

The Sun, however, offers a note of caution, reporting that Zubimendi himself has "rubbished" suggestions he is close to leaving Arsenal in January. The 27-year-old is said to have pushed back directly on exit rumours, even as he continues to be linked with a move away from north London amid a lack of regular game time (The Sun).

So while Football.London and the Mirror both point to genuine interest from Chelsea, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also mentioned as rivals for his signature, The Sun's report suggests any deal may not be as advanced as some are suggesting, with Zubimendi publicly playing down the talk himself.

For Chelsea supporters, it's an intriguing one to watch. Zubimendi would represent a shrewd, if surprising, addition to Enzo Maresca's... sorry, Alonso's midfield options if Chelsea were able to see off interest from two of Spain's biggest clubs, but with the player himself denying an imminent departure, fans may want to treat the stronger claims with some caution for now.

Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.