Just when you thought this transfer window couldn’t get any wilder, Chelsea’s new boss has thrown a curveball nobody saw coming.
Xabi Alonso reportedly wants to lure Martin Zubimendi away from Premier League champions Arsenal. If it happens, it’d be the most jaw-dropping move of the summer — and one that could reshape the title race entirely.
Alonso’s Personal Connection Makes This More Than a Rumour
This isn’t some speculative name on a scouting shortlist. There’s genuine history here.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Alonso has expressed a keen interest in reuniting with the Spanish midfielder at Stamford Bridge. The pair go way back — Alonso coached Zubimendi during his first managerial role at Real Sociedad B.
Back in 2022, Alonso couldn’t hide his admiration. He described Zubimendi as a player “all coaches would want,” praising his selflessness and ability to elevate teammates around him.
That kind of endorsement from a former manager tells you everything. Alonso doesn’t just rate Zubimendi — he knows exactly how to get the best out of him.
Chelsea have given Alonso the title of “manager” rather than “head coach,” granting him far more influence over recruitment. He’s already used that power to bring in Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, and British record signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a staggering £117 million.
Now Zubimendi appears to be next on his wish list.
Why Arsenal Might Not Fight Too Hard to Keep Him
Here’s where it gets interesting. On paper, selling a £55.8 million signing after just one season sounds absurd. But dig a little deeper and the picture shifts.
Zubimendi started brightly at the Emirates. By February, some pundits were making a genuine case for him as Premier League Player of the Season. Declan Rice himself said their partnership was “outstanding.”
But the second half of the campaign told a different story. Fatigue crept in. Mistakes multiplied. He lost his starting spot and was left on the bench for the Champions League final, only entering during extra time.
Fan opinion split sharply. Some called him overworked. Others questioned whether he’s the right long-term fit alongside Rice.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back on The Football Ramble podcast. He questioned whether Zubimendi would ever reclaim his intended role, saying: “I don’t see him ever getting that place back now.”
And then there’s the Bruno Guimaraes factor. Arsenal have agreed a £75 million fee with Newcastle for the Brazilian midfielder. That deal all but confirms Zubimendi’s minutes will shrink significantly next season.
Could Arsenal really justify blocking a sale when they’ve just spent big on his replacement?
A Rare and Controversial Move Between London Rivals
Direct transfers from Arsenal to Chelsea are almost unheard of. The last one? Olivier Giroud’s move in January 2018. Before that, you’d have to rewind to Ashley Cole’s infamous £5 million switch in 2006.
That’s two moves in over two decades. The animosity between these clubs runs deep, and selling to a direct rival carries enormous reputational risk for Arsenal.
But football rarely follows sentiment when big money’s involved.
Zubimendi’s contract runs until 2030, giving Arsenal a strong negotiating position. They won’t let him leave cheap. Chelsea, meanwhile, have shown zero hesitation in spending this summer — their outlay already includes record-breaking fees and multiple marquee arrivals.
It’s still early days. Reports suggest Alonso has “communicated interest” rather than launched a formal bid. There’s a wide gap between admiring a player and actually signing him. But the ingredients are there: a motivated buyer, a potentially unsettled player, and a selling club that may have already moved on.
Don’t be surprised if this one rumbles on right until deadline day.
