Chelsea told to pay €90m for Alonso's dream signing

Chelsea told to pay €90m for Xabi Alonso's dream summer signing Make us your Google favourite Chelsea have been informed that Arsenal want a fee of at least €90 million to sell Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to reports in Spain. The 27-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea in recent days, with rumours indicating that Xabi Alonso is desperate to reunite with his compatriot following a stint together at Real Sociedad B. Zubimendi has previously described Alonso as an “idol” and it’s claimed the Chelsea manager has urged club officials to pursue a blockbuster deal before the summer transfer window ends on 1 September . The Blues have already bolstered their midfield unit with the signings of Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson so far this summer, but they remain eager to improve the options at Alonso’s disposal, and Zubimendi is reportedly seen as an alternative to fellow target Alex Scott. The Spain international made 57 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, but he lost his starting XI place to Myles Lewis-Skelly during the final stages of his debut campaign at Arsenal, and the recent signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has put his future in serious doubt. Chelsea are reportedly keen to pounce, while Real Madrid may also be given the opportunity to pursue a deal after missing out on his signature last summer. That is according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo , who report that an offer in excess of €90m will be required to tempt Arsenal into a sale before Deadline Day. Confirmed: Arsenal don’t want to sell Martin Zubimendi While Mundo Deportivo claim that Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal is “uncertain”, sources can confirm that Arteta has absolutely no interest in allowing his compatriot to leave this summer . Arteta spent three years attempting to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and despite the recent arrival of Guimaraes, the Gunners aren’t willing to offload the 27-year-old before the end of Deadline Day. He remains a key part of Arteta’s long-term plans at the Emirates Stadium and a move to Chelsea, or Real Madrid, therefore won’t take place this summer, despite Alonso’s design to finalise a transfer. Arsenal have signed Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and the aforementioned Guimaraes since the transfer window opened in June, while they have sold Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior, Christian Norgaard and Karl Hein on permanent deals.