Arsenal make Martin Zubimendi transfer decision as Enzo Fernandez Man City deadline sparks domino effect
Arsenal have reportedly decided on Martin Zubimendi’s future amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, but a domino effect involving two other midfielders may have to occur before the deal is completed.
Despite arriving in North London ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Zubimendi’s days at Arsenal appear to be numbered following the arrival of Bruno Guimarães.
With the Brazilian expected to start alongside Declan Rice in the heart of midfield, Zubimendi’s minutes could be limited should he stay at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has also decided to play Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino ahead of Zubimendi on occasions, suggesting that the former Real Sociedad midfielder could be down the pecking order.
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Zubimendi even suffered the embarrassment of being subbed on and then off by Arteta when the Gunners beat West Ham 1-0 in a pivotal match in the title race last season.
Arteta later decided to start Lewis-Skelly in the Champions League final, with the Spain international later coming off the bench.
Throughout the summer, the 2026 World Cup winner has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea as Xabi Alonso looks to put his stamp on the Blues ahead of his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal make Martin Zubimendi decision
It has now emerged that Arsenal are willing to sanction a sale of the player, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Gunners would accept a fee of around £77million.
However, Zubimendi’s potential move will likely depend on whether Enzo Fernandez remains a Chelsea player, with the Argentinian linked with a reunion with Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, having previously looked like he was going to Real Madrid.
City, who have been set a deadline of 5 pm this Friday to sign the midfielder from Chelsea for £120million, are considering a move for Fernandez, although a transfer will likely only happen if Rodri leaves amid interest from Barcelona.
Real Madrid were also interested in Zubimendi last summer before Arsenal signed the 27-year-old, although a second attempt to acquire his signature should not be ruled out if Los Blancos fail to get deals for primary targets over the line.
Zubimendi, who is under contract until 2030, made 57 appearances last term but produced just six goals and three assists despite Arsenal winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
Arsenal have already seen Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior, Christian Norgaard and Leandro Trossard leave this summer.
The transfer window shuts on September 1, with Arteta making clear that the Gunners’ business isn’t done.
When asked by reporters if fans should expect additional signings last week, the Spaniard said: “Well, that's what we're trying to do.
"If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that."
Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Transfer News
Luke Davies