Footballtransfertavern iconFootballtransfertavernSep 11, 2026 ~2 min source read

Chelsea monitoring Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as playing-time question grows

Chelsea have kept contact over Martin Zubimendi after making a summer enquiry. Arsenal’s current midfield depth and Zubimendi’s desire for regular minutes could set up a January decision.

Chelsea ‘interested’ in signing “impressive” Spain international

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Chelsea maintain interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi and made an enquiry in the summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Zubimendi has spoken with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who admires him and previously called him “impressive,” but the player wants assurances of regular first-team football.

Arsenal’s midfield competition — including Myles Lewis-Skelly pushing Zubimendi down the pecking order and Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival — means Zubimendi’s long-term future may depend on playing time before January.

# What's happening Chelsea remain interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Blues made an enquiry during the summer and have kept lines of communication open, according to TEAMtalk. Arsenal did not allow a departure in the previous window, but the situation could change if Zubimendi does not secure regular minutes.

# Why this matters now Zubimendi is 27 and already part of Arsenal's senior squad, but Arsenal's midfield has become more crowded. Younger players like Myles Lewis-Skelly have pushed Zubimendi down the pecking order at times, and the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes adds another established option. Zubimendi has made clear he wants regular first-team football, and his patience could have limits.

If Zubimendi cannot re-establish himself as a regular starter between now and the January window, Arsenal's previous unwillingness to sell could be tested. That would create an opening for Chelsea or other interested clubs.

# What Chelsea would be getting Mikel Arteta has described Zubimendi as "impressive," and the player remains determined to fight for his place at Arsenal. Reports say Chelsea see him as a target and have monitored developments after their summer enquiry. Real Madrid also retain interest, and several other clubs have reportedly made contact.

# Likely scenarios to watch

  • Zubimendi regains a regular role: Arsenal keeps him and the transfer interest quiets down.
  • Zubimendi remains a rotation option: Arsenal may reconsider their stance in January if the player requests assurances or the club receives concrete offers.
  • Multiple bids arrive: If Real Madrid and Chelsea both push, Arsenal could face a competitive sale process.

# Short-term signals to follow

  • How often Zubimendi appears in Arsenal's starting XI across league and cup matches.

# Minor related note The piece also mentions Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso addressing separate squad speculation about a different player, Estevao, though that is not linked directly to the Zubimendi story.

# Bottom line Chelsea are keeping tabs on Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal's midfield competition grows and the player seeks regular football. January looks like the next realistic moment when Arsenal's stance on selling could be tested, especially if Zubimendi fails to win back a consistent starting role.

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