Xabi Alonso may intervene in Real Madrid's transfer plans, Chelsea to battle for Martín Zubimendi

According to the Daily Sport, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso may intervene in Real Madrid's transfer plans, intending to snatch Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Madrid.

Real Madrid is planning its squad for next season. Although the team has found tactical balance in midfield through the combination of Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva, and Güler, the sports management believes the team needs to pursue higher goals, in case this solution is just a temporary patch rather than a final one.

In the search for a creative midfielder, Martín Zubimendi has become one of the main targets in the transfer market due to his limited playing time at Arsenal. After joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 for £60 million, the Basque midfielder was once a key player in Arteta's midfield but fell out of favor towards the end of last season, and now both parties are open to a departure.

Martín Zubimendi lost his starting position due to Guimaraes joining Arsenal, coupled with competition from other midfielders such as Ødegaard, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, and his compatriot Merino. Nevertheless, the newly crowned world champion's ability is still highly sought after. As Luis de la Fuente himself once said, "He is the second-best player in his position," and therefore the Spanish coach maintains full trust in him, continuing to call him up to the national team.

According to the British newspaper The Independent, Chelsea, coached by Xabi Alonso, is also interested in Martín Zubimendi. The Tolosa-born coach knows well the impact Martín Zubimendi can have once he gets playing time and trust in midfield. Therefore, Martín Zubimendi is an ideal candidate for Chelsea, who are currently ranked fifth in the Premier League.