Arsenal have reportedly set a £77 million asking price for Martin Zubimendi as Chelsea and Real Madrid continue to monitor the midfielder’s situation at the Emirates.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer in a deal worth around £60 million, but his position in Mikel Arteta’s squad has come under increased scrutiny following the club’s latest midfield additions. Arsenal would consider allowing the Spain international to leave if a club meets their valuation of approximately €90 million (£77m). Chelsea are understood to be interested, with new manager Xabi Alonso reportedly keen on bringing the midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
Alonso already knows Zubimendi well from his time in Spain and has previously been linked with a move for the 27-year-old. A reunion at Chelsea could therefore become an attractive option if the Blues decide to make a formal approach. Real Madrid have also emerged as another potential destination. The Spanish giants have previously admired Zubimendi and could consider a move if their interest develops into a concrete offer.
Arsenal’s willingness to consider a sale is partly linked to the changing competition for places in midfield. The Gunners have strengthened their options with the arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United in a deal worth £75 million. Guimarães now joins a midfield group that already includes Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. Zubimendi enjoyed a demanding first season in England, featuring in every Premier League match and making 57 appearances across all competitions. However, his workload increased significantly as the campaign progressed, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also became increasingly involved in midfield.
For Chelsea, signing Zubimendi would provide another high-level option in the Centre of the pitch and potentially give Alonso the opportunity to work with a player whose qualities he knows from Spanish football. On the other side, Arsenal however, the decision could come down to whether a reported £77 million offer is enough to justify losing a player who remains an important part of their squad.
With Chelsea and Real Madrid monitoring developments, Zubimendi’s future could become one of the intriguing transfer stories to watch before the window closes on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
