Chelsea linked with January move for Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi

Wednesday 11 November 2026 · 07:00 UK time

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a January transfer push for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to multiple reports doing the rounds this week.

The Sun reports that Chelsea are "eyeing" a January swoop for Zubimendi, framing it as a response to losing Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City late in the window (The Sun). The Sun adds that Arsenal had already knocked back a summer bid from Xabi Alonso for the Spaniard, suggesting his situation at the Emirates remains unresolved (The Sun).

Football.London goes further, suggesting Chelsea could end up in a straight bidding war with Real Madrid for Zubimendi's signature (Football.London). That outlet frames his long-term Arsenal future as uncertain given the scale of interest from both Chelsea and the Spanish giants, calling it a "dilemma" for the Gunners (Football.London).

Where the two reports align is on the central point: Chelsea are credited with genuine interest in Zubimendi as a midfield target, with his current club Arsenal potentially facing a fight to keep hold of him. The Sun's angle leans on Chelsea's need to strengthen in midfield following Enzo Fernandez's departure to City, while Football.London frames it more as a result of broader transfer speculation surrounding the player rather than a specific Chelsea need (The Sun) (Football.London).

Neither report gives firm details on timing, fee, or how advanced any Chelsea move might be, and both stress this is speculation at this stage rather than an advanced deal. For Chelsea supporters, it's one to watch as a potential January midfield addition given the uncertainty hanging over Zubimendi's position at Arsenal (The Sun) (Football.London).

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.