Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso pushes for Martin Zubimendi deal as Arsenal weigh £77m sale

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is pressing the club to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with Real Madrid also considering a renewed move for the Spain international.

The uncertainty surrounding Zubimendi has increased after Arsenal completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in a deal reported to be worth £75m. Guimaraes’ arrival in north London has led to speculation that Zubimendi could leave, only a year after joining the Gunners.

Zubimendi moved to Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer for £60m and made an impressive start to his career at the club. However, his form dipped towards the end of the campaign and he lost his place in the side during the closing stages of the season.

He was also left out of Arsenal’s starting line-up for their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, adding to questions about his position in Mikel Arteta’s squad following Guimaraes’ arrival.

The English newspaper Metro, citing Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, reports that Zubimendi is now in a “precarious situation” at Arsenal. The report says the midfielder’s future is “far from certain” as clubs assess whether he could become available during the transfer window.

Real Madrid are understood to be examining the possibility of making another attempt to sign Zubimendi after failing to complete a deal for him last summer. The Spanish club are not alone in their interest, however, with Chelsea expected to provide “fierce competition” for his signature.

Alonso is said to be putting pressure on Chelsea to bring Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge. The manager already knows the midfielder from their time together at Real Sociedad and also tried to sign him during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.

That previous relationship could strengthen Chelsea’s pursuit as Alonso begins shaping his squad. Zubimendi’s understanding of Alonso’s methods, developed during their time in San Sebastian, is also understood to be a factor behind the manager’s interest.

Arsenal’s position on whether they would sell the 26-year-old remains unclear. The club have not publicly indicated that Zubimendi is available, but Mundo Deportivo reports that Arsenal would demand at least 90m euros (£77m) before agreeing to his departure.

That figure would represent a significant return on the midfielder, who only arrived at Emirates Stadium last summer. It could also make any move more difficult for Chelsea or Real Madrid, with both clubs facing a considerable fee if Arsenal decide to consider offers.

For now, Zubimendi’s future remains unresolved. Arsenal’s addition of Guimaraes has intensified the speculation, while interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea gives the midfielder two potential destinations should the Premier League club decide to sanction a sale.