Confirmed: Arsenal’s Zubimendi sale stance and Romero interest

7 Aug 2026 07:44 BST | 4 min read

Mikel Arteta, Cristian Romero, Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Steve Kay | Editor

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Arsenal’s transfer business is heating back up again, with rumours surrounding the future of Martin Zubimendi as well as a potential bid for Cristian Romero.

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Chelsea have been linked with a sensational swoop for Spain midfielder Zubimendi, who has previously admitted his admiration for manager Xabi Alonso – a figure that the World Cup winner has openly admitted that he holds as a ‘idol’ and someone he seeks to replicate with his playing style.

This comes in the wake of Arsenal completing a sensational transfer for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. This is a deal that would appear to force Zubimendi down the Stamford Bridge pecking order.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Arsenal

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€56.1M - €68.6M

Despite this, FootballTransfers can confirm that Arsenal have absolutely no intention of allowing the 27-year-old to leave.

Mikel Arteta is a long-standing fan of Zubimendi. He spent three years trying to sign the player before finally doing so in a transfer worth €70 million from Real Sociedad last summer.

Since moving to the Emirates, the Spain star has gone on to form a Premier League-winning partnership with Declan Rice at the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.

Despite the arrival of Bruno in a deal worth £75 million, Arsenal have no intention of selling Zubimendi to Chelsea or any other side. He remains a central figure in Arteta’s long-term plans.

Of course, this will not come as a shock to Gunners, who appreciate that the Spanish manager needs both strength and depth in the midfield as he seeks to elevate his side to lift the club’s first Champions League trophy this term.

Romero approach confirmed

Arsenal, meanwhile, have made an approach for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, FootballTransfers can confirm.

Arteta is seeking to strengthen the options he has at his disposal at the heart of his defence and the Gunners have reached out to the Argentine’s representatives in order to assess the player’s openness to making what would be a controversial move across North London.

Spurs are likely to be more willing to discuss a transfer with Atletico Madrid, who are also interested in Romero. Indeed, it would be something of a nightmare scenario for the Lilywhites if they saw one of their top performers leave for Arsenal.

As such, this deal remains something of a long shot at present, but it does underline Arsenal’s willingness to explore all avenues in order to improve Arteta’s squad ahead of their forthcoming Premier League title defence.