Arsenal have set a minimum asking price of £77 million for midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, as Chelsea and Real Madrid both weigh up a summer move for the Spain international.
The development comes just days after Arsenal completed a £75 million deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, a transfer that has cast doubt over Zubimendi's long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi's Arsenal career in jeopardy
Zubimendi joined Arsenal last summer in a £60 million move from Real Sociedad and made a promising start to life in north London. However, his form dipped significantly in the latter stages of the campaign, and he was dropped from the starting lineup during the run-in and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Mundo Deportivo report that Zubimendi now finds himself in a 'precarious situation' at Arsenal following Guimaraes' arrival, with his future described as far from 'certain'. The Spanish giants Real Madrid are said to be considering a fresh approach for Zubimendi, having missed out on the player 12 months ago when he chose Arsenal over a move to the Bernabeu.
However, Real Madrid face 'tough competition' from Chelsea, who are under pressure from new manager Xabi Alonso to bring Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge. Alonso previously worked with Zubimendi during his time at Real Sociedad and attempted to sign him during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.
Arsenal's stance and potential exit fee
Arsenal's position on selling Zubimendi remains unclear, but Mundo Deportivo claim the club would demand at least €90 million (£77 million) to sanction his departure. That fee would represent a significant profit on the £60 million Arsenal paid for the 27-year-old just 12 months ago.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has already questioned Zubimendi's future at Arsenal, suggesting the midfielder may never reclaim his place in the team following Guimaraes' arrival. Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said: 'Do you think it's the end for Zubimendi there? In terms of being what he was supposed to be when he was brought in. He was supposed to come in and be this controller. I don't see him ever getting that place back now.'
Guimaraes' impact and Arsenal's summer business
Guimaraes became Arsenal's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier. The Brazilian midfielder has already expressed his excitement about the move, stating: 'I'm very excited. I'm at the point of my life where I need a challenge like this. I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I'm in the right place to do it.'
Guimaraes, 28, added: 'It's massive what I have done so far, but I want more. I want to win for Arsenal. I want to win more trophies in my career, and I think I'm in the right place, at my peak at 28 years old. I'm so excited to join. Here, wearing this shirt, you have to go for winning trophies, winning everything we can and make history.'
The Brazilian's arrival has intensified speculation over Zubimendi's future, with the Spanish midfielder now facing an uncertain path to regular first-team football under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal's midfield is already well-stocked, and the addition of Guimaraes has created a logjam that could force Zubimendi out of the club.
Real Madrid and Chelsea's interest
Real Madrid's interest in Zubimendi is not new. The La Liga champions were strongly linked with the player last summer before he opted for a move to the Premier League. Now, with Zubimendi's situation at Arsenal less stable, Madrid are reportedly weighing up another approach.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are under pressure from new boss Alonso to secure Zubimendi's signature. Alonso, who knows Zubimendi well from their time together at Real Sociedad, is keen to reunite with the midfielder at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are expected to face stiff competition from Real Madrid, and Arsenal's asking price could prove a stumbling block for both clubs.
Arsenal, for their part, have been active in the transfer market this summer, having also launched an audacious move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, only for the Brazilian to sign a new contract with the Spanish club. The Gunners have since turned their attention to other targets, including an £85 million-rated winger, as they look to strengthen their squad further.
Zubimendi's future is likely to be resolved before the transfer window closes, with both Chelsea and Real Madrid monitoring the situation closely. Arsenal's £77 million valuation will test the resolve of both clubs, but with Alonso pushing for a reunion and Madrid eager to bolster their midfield, a bidding war could ensue.
For now, Zubimendi remains an Arsenal player, but his days at the Emirates could be numbered. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining where the Spanish international will be plying his trade next season.
