Chelsea's Desperate Bid for Zubimendi

Xabi Alonso once again missed out on signing the Spanish midfielder, whom he also requested during his time at Real Madrid

Héctor Andreu | 2 Sep 2026 | 11.16
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Xabi Alonso tried to sign Zubimendi / El Correo
Xabi Alonso tried to sign Zubimendi / El Correo

Premier League
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Sunderland Arsenal
12/09/26 21:00:00
6.50 4.00 1.48

Martín Zubimendi, a 27-year-old Spanish midfielder, was the subject of an attempt by Chelsea in this transfer market. Xabi Alonso requested his inclusion to replace Enzo Fernández, but Arsenal rejected negotiating for a player who is in Mikel Arteta's plans.

The move happened after Chelsea lost Enzo Fernández, who was transferred to Manchester City for 125 million pounds, equivalent to around 145 million euros. This sale forced the London club to seek a midfielder before the deadline, and Zubimendi emerged among the options considered.

Arsenal Closes the Door on Martín Zubimendi

According to The Sun, Arsenal's response prevented the operation from progressing. The Premier League champion had no intention of letting go of Martín Zubimendi after just one season in London and communicated to Chelsea that the player will remain part of Arteta's squad.

Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2025 from Real Sociedad. During his first season, he featured in all 38 Premier League matches, a presence that explains the club's refusal to entertain an exit even with the recent interest in the final hours of the market.

The request came from Xabi Alonso, who had previously targeted the midfielder during his time at Real Madrid. The coach reiterated his request at Chelsea, deeming it necessary to find an immediate alternative after Enzo Fernández's departure.

However, the attempt was made with little time left. The transfer of the Argentine to Manchester City was settled on the last day of the market, leaving Chelsea searching for a replacement while the owning clubs of their prime targets had few hours to react.

Xabi Alonso lo intentó con Zubimendi

Xabi Alonso Misses Out on Zubimendi Again

This isn't the first time Xabi Alonso has tried to work with Martín Zubimendi. The coach had previously pushed for his signing while managing Real Madrid, but the midfielder ended up leaving LaLiga to join Arsenal in 2025.

Chelsea considered other names to fill Fernández's void. Morgan Gibbs-White, Lucas Bergvall, Lamine Camara, and Manu Koné were also among the options explored during the final hours. A proposal close to 38.5 million pounds was considered for Camara but didn't materialize.

Arsenal's stance on Zubimendi was different; no financial negotiation was opened. Arteta relies on the Spanish international for a season where the team defends the Premier League title and faces the Champions League once again.

The market closure eliminates any immediate chance of a club change. Martín Zubimendi will remain at Arsenal at least until the January transfer window, while Chelsea will have to navigate the coming months without being able to provide Xabi Alonso with one of the midfielders he had requested to cover Enzo Fernández's departure.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La oferta desesperada del Chelsea por Zubimendi