Alonso tells Chelsea to explore deal for Arsenal midfielder Zubimendi | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has told Chelsea he wants the club to explore an ambitious deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimeni.

Alonso is a long-term admirer of Zubimendi, who came through the Real Sociedad academy. The Chelsea manager is also a graduate of the San Sebastien side’s youth system and coached Zubimendi during his time as head coach of Real Sociedad B, between 2019 and 2022.

According to Simon Phillips, Alonso has asked Chelsea to enquire about a deal. Zubimendi signed for Arsenal from Sociedad for a fee of around £51m last summer, and made 57 appearances across all competitions, scoring six times.

Arsenal are unlikely to want to part with the 27-year-old, despite his fall from favour across the run-in. Zubimendi was left out of the side for the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred.

The Gunners are also closing in on the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, to further reinforce their midfield group.

Alonso’s interest is exploratory at this stage, though the 44-year-old has told Chelsea that Zubimendi is a player of interest if a deal can be done.

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