Xabi Alonso's dream Chelsea signing open to January move - on one condition

10 Sept 2026 12:57 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly willing to review his future at the club in January if he continues to play a bit-part role at the Emirates Stadium.

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The Spain international was a pivotal player for Mikel Arteta during his debut season in north London, but he lost his starting XI place to Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of last year’s Champions League final and he has failed to work his way back into favour this term.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Arsenal

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€50.5M - €61.7M

Zubimendi hasn’t started any of Arsenal’s five competitive matches so far this campaign and although he has appeared as a substitute in every game, he is firmly behind Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order as things stand.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United has also threatened Zubimendi’s place in Arteta’s thinking and it’s understood that Chelsea explored a potential move during the final few weeks of the summer window amid their pursuit of a new midfielder to replace Enzo Fernandez.

As confirmed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal had no interest in selling Zubimendi after just one season at the club and talk of a blockbuster move to Stamford Bridge soon dissipated. However, rumours of a potential transfer in 2027 are likely to intensify if he continues to be overlooked by Arteta.

In fact, TEAMtalk report that Zubimendi’s representatives will explore his transfer options in the January window if he continues to struggle for game time.

The Spaniard is confident that he will work his way back into Arteta’s preferred starting XI before the New Year, but plans are already in place to review his situation in the event that Lewis-Skelly continues to be favoured.

Why Xabi Alonso wants to sign Martin Zubimendi

Alonso worked with Zubimendi during his time as the head coach of Real Sociedad’s B team and it has been widely reported that the two remain in contact.

It’s understood that Alonso was the driving force behind Chelsea’s interest in Zubimendi over the summer and given the Blues’ struggles in midfield so far this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they rekindle their pursuit of the Spain star in January.

Speaking to The Guardian in 2022, Alonso submitted: “Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his team-mates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.

“He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise the axis. I loved working with him.”

Meanwhile, Zubimendi admitted: “He’s an idol, a role model, so I’m delighted that he says nice things about me.

“I wasn’t even with him a full season because of the pandemic but those were lovely months. It was when he came that I started playing more; with Xabi, I got a run of games. I could feel the affection he had for me, which maybe comes from having the same position. He made a point of trying to show me things, teaching me.

“With him, I learned to recognise and differentiate [types of] presses, overcoming them. Before then, I played the way that more or less came naturally. With him I started to truly understand concepts for bringing the ball out, building play. He insisted a lot on the analysis. We would walk it through, inflatables positioned where the opposition would be.”

Chelsea also remain interested in Lamine Camara and Manu Kone, having failed to sign either player on Transfer Deadline Day, but Zubimendi is on their radar too and a deal could feasibly be finalised if he is unable to become a regular starter at Arsenal.