Xabi Alonso is eager to bring an Arsenal star to Chelsea in what could be this summer’s most surprising transfer.
Xabi Alonso is interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi for Chelsea this summer, according to reports. Alonso became Chelsea’s manager earlier this year. Unlike some before him, he wasn’t just named head coach, which has given him more say in the club’s transfer decisions. We’ve already seen this with some smart signings.
He helped bring in experienced players like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson from Brighton and Brentford because he knew the team needed more experience. The signing of Marco Pellestra from Atalanta will let him use a three-defender formation, and Chelsea have also agreed a deal for Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria to play on the other side.
Chelsea made a big move by signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record £117 million. Alonso plans for Rogers to play alongside his good friend Cole Palmer.
Now, Alonso seems focused on adding Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi to the team. Journalist Simon Phillips says Alonso really knows Zubimendi well, having coached him when Alonso was managing Real Sociedad B. Zubimendi moved up to Sociedad’s main squad in 2020 and spent five years there before joining Arsenal last summer for around £55.8 million.
Zubimendi had a strong start in English football but lost his spot in Arsenal’s starting lineup later in the season and faced some criticism. Arsenal is also close to signing Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, which might limit Zubimendi’s chances to play this season.
Sky Sports expert Jamie Carragher shared his thoughts on The Football Ramble podcast, saying he isn’t sure if Zubimendi will stay at Arsenal. He wonders if Bruno will take more of the holding role and what Declan Rice’s position will be, adding that Zubimendi might not get his spot back.
So, if Zubimendi leaves Arsenal, it might not be a surprise—but moving directly to Chelsea would be unusual. Such moves between these clubs have been very rare. The last time a player moved from Arsenal to Chelsea was Olivier Giroud in 2018 and before that, Ashley Cole in 2006.
In 2022, Alonso praised Zubimendi, saying he’s the kind of player every coach wants. He described him as generous, always thinking of his teammates, and someone who helps make the team play better by offering smart solutions on the pitch.