Arsenal have no intention of selling Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to the Daily Express, despite reported interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid. The decision comes after Arsenal completed the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, which has intensified speculation over Zubimendi's future at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta moved to strengthen an already formidable midfield by securing Guimaraes, who emerged as a top target earlier in the summer. The Brazil international's arrival adds to a title-winning engine room that already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Zubimendi.
Zubimendi's Dip in Form and Rising Competition
Zubimendi enjoyed an impressive start to his Arsenal career following his £60m move from Real Sociedad last summer, but his influence waned as the season progressed. Lewis-Skelly was preferred in the starting lineup during the run-in, and Zubimendi was an unused substitute in the Champions League final defeat to PSG.
His struggles continued on the international stage, where he was part of Spain's triumphant World Cup squad but made only a single appearance throughout the tournament. The 27-year-old's lack of minutes has fueled speculation that he could seek a move away, especially with Chelsea and Real Madrid reportedly monitoring his situation.
Chelsea and Real Madrid's Interest
Chelsea's new head coach, Xabi Alonso, previously worked with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad and attempted to sign him last summer while in charge of Real Madrid. Reports from Spain indicate that Madrid were 'gutted' to miss out on Zubimendi and are keen to revive their interest if Arsenal signal a willingness to sell.
Despite this, Arsenal view Zubimendi as a key member of Arteta's squad and have 'no desire' to offload him. The club is reportedly determined to keep the Spaniard as they prepare to defend their Premier League title and mount another Champions League challenge. However, the report adds that 'every player has his price,' and Arsenal would reconsider their stance only if an 'exorbitant fee' were offered.
Valuation and Expert Opinion
Last week, reports in Spain suggested Arsenal value Zubimendi at around 90m euros (£77m). Amid the speculation, Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly but rejected the opportunity. Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea should pursue Zubimendi instead.
'I think he would be a brilliant signing for Chelsea,' Johnson told SeatPin. 'I'm not sure why Arsenal are even signing players to replace him when he was so influential for them last season. He has worked with Alonso before at Real Sociedad, so Xabi must really like the player to be pushing to re-sign him at Chelsea. He's now a Premier League winner, so he's only going to be a better player than what he was when they last worked together. I'd be surprised if Arsenal let him go to Chelsea, but if they do, more fool them. He was brilliant last season and knows what it takes to win in the Premier League, which is exactly what Chelsea need. He could be the backbone of Chelsea's midfield next season, and if Alonso wants him as badly as being reported, then the club should do everything they can to sign him.'
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City a week on Friday. The club's stance on Zubimendi suggests they are prepared to resist offers, but the coming weeks will reveal whether any club tests their resolve with a substantial bid.
