Arsenal have set a firm £77 million asking price for Martin Zubimendi, with interest growing from both Chelsea and Real Madrid this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. The valuation follows their agreement to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a similar fee, reshaping the midfield picture at the club.
Chelsea and Madrid are both assessing potential moves for the Spain international, but Arsenal’s position remains clear: they are open to a sale, but only at their full valuation.
Why Arsenal Are Open to Selling Zubimendi This Summer
Guimaraes’ arrival changes the picture in Arsenal’s midfield, whether Mikel Arteta acknowledges it publicly or not. The Brazil international can operate as a deep-lying No. 6, but he has also excelled as a more progressive, box-to-box No. 8.
That gives Arsenal another option in midfield where Zubimendi has played since joining the club last summer. He is one of Arsenal’s major additions this summer, following winger Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who arrived on a free transfer.
Piero Hincapie has also made his loan move permanent. The Gunners have already shown they're willing to move players on this window. Leandro Trossard left for Besiktas in a £17 million deal, proof the squad is being actively trimmed.
Zubimendi isn't being pushed out the door in the same way, but Arsenal's stance, according to reports, is that they're not desperate to sell either. £77m secures his exit. Anything less doesn't.
Why Xabi Alonso Wants Zubimendi at Chelsea
Alonso's interest in Zubimendi didn't start this week. The Chelsea manager coached him at Real Sociedad's reserve side years before either man arrived in the Premier League, and he tried to take him to Real Madrid before Arsenal beat everyone to sign him last summer.
Now, he's reportedly making it clear to the Blues that Zubimendi is the midfielder he wants.
Chelsea already have Moises Caicedo anchoring the midfield defensively, and pairing him with a controller like Zubimendi would let Alonso push more creative players higher up the pitch without sacrificing structure.
That would fit the broader profile of Chelsea’s summer recruitment, which has included Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda and Jordan Henderson. Any move would also mean selling to a direct domestic rival.
That could make Arsenal less willing to negotiate, even if Chelsea are prepared to meet the midfielder’s reported valuation.
Can Real Madrid Win the Race for Zubimendi?
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi appears to be driven less by rivalry with Arsenal than by a need to strengthen the midfield. After missing out on Manchester City's Rodri, Madrid could view Zubimendi as a similar option in midfield, particularly for his ability to sit deep, dictate play, and keep his position.
Their involvement could actually work in Arsenal's favour. A genuine bidding war between the Blues and Los Blancos is the fastest way to push a fee toward, or past, the £77m asking price Arsenal have set.
It also gives the Gunners a route to sell outside the Premier League entirely, avoiding the discomfort of strengthening a direct rival on their own doorstep.
