Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi continues to attract transfer interest, with Chelsea now the latest team linked with him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso admires his compatriot and he hopes to work with him one day.
Zubimendi played an important role in the Gunners' Premier League success during the 2025-26 season but he is currently struggling to get ample playing time since the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes in the summer.
The 27-year-old has yet to start a Premier League match this season with all of his seven league appearances coming off the bench.
Chelsea coach Alonso loves Zubimendi
Alonso's love for Zubimendi signals transfer interest, with Chelsea yet to fill the void left by Enzo Fernandez following his deadline day move to Manchester City in the summer.
The Blues tried to lure AS Monaco's Lamine Camara in the last minute but the move fell through and they are reportedly planning to make a signing in January.
The report added that Zubimendi who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in 2025 might be difficult for Alonso to bring to West London due to the hefty price tag the Gunners would put on him.
Mikel Arteta's side reportedly paid around £55.8 million for Spain international.
Chelsea, however, are not out of options for the midfield position as they are also targeting Bournemouth star Alex Scott who has reportedly declined new offers to extend his stay on the south coast.
Zubimendi happy at Arsenal
The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner has taken a stance to refute links of a move away from North London.
Zubimendi declared that he is happy at Arsenal, squashing reports of a potential exit in January.
"Staying at Arsenal until June? I think so. I am happy there," Zubimendi told Marca. "Arteta explained the plan to me at the start of the season and we're here, fighting.
"I am surprised to see the links. People should be more careful about what they publish in the press.
"I read I'm close to a move [to Atletico] but that's not the case at all."
Despite his limited game time in England, Zubimendi is still a key part Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.
He was called up for the UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and England.
