Now, Martin Zubimendi could be another piece in Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea project. The manager asked the club’s owners, BlueCo, to sign the Spaniard from Arsenal – and his interest is anything but new.
Already when Alonso took over Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, Zubimendi was at the top of his wish list. At the time, he believed that the midfielder could be the team’s new compass needle – a successor to Toni Kroos.
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Arsenal struck – but Zubimendi waited
Arsenal paid £60 million for Zubimendi at the time – more than the €60 million buyout clause – to secure a favourable payment structure. But the transition was not a foregone conclusion.
Zubimendi kept the door open for Real Madrid as long as there was hope. The contact between Alonso’s people and the player’s camp gave him the conviction that a move to the capital club was a unique career step.
But Real Madrid hesitated. When they first started investigating the possibilities, it was too late.
“Madrid were never completely convinced, and Arsenal announced the signing two weeks later than they really wanted,” writes AS.
Now Alonso wants him in London
Since then, a lot has happened. Zubimendi helped win the Premier League with Arsenal and reached the Champions League final. And while Bruno Guimaraes is now on his way into Arsenal, it looks like the door could open for a move out.
According to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, Alonso has already told the club’s management:
“I was told by a source that Xabi Alonso is very excited about Martin Zubimendi, and that he has communicated to Chelsea that this is a player he likes and is interested in. I’m not saying Chelsea are going to go for Zubimendi – but he’s a player Alonso has mentioned.
Thus, this summer’s midfield drama could get a new twist: Zubimendi, who was once waiting for Alonso and Real Madrid, can now face his old admirer in a Chelsea shirt. The question is whether Arsenal are willing to sell – and whether Zubimendi himself is ready for a new adventure.
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