Chelsea made a late enquiry about Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they sought a replacement for Enzo Fernández, but were told the Spain international was not available, according to reports.
The approach came after Manchester City agreed a £125 million deal for Fernández on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day. The fee matches the British transfer record set by Liverpool’s signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer.
With limited time to strengthen their midfield, Chelsea considered a number of options, including Zubimendi. The 27-year-old is understood to be highly regarded by Blues head coach Xabi Alonso, who worked with the player’s profile during his time in Spain and is keen to add another midfielder alongside Moisés Caicedo.
However, Arsenal were not prepared to entertain a move for one of their key players, particularly to a direct Premier League rival. The Sun reported that the Gunners made clear Zubimendi was not available.
Why Arsenal refused to consider Martin Zubimendi transfer
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer and quickly established himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s side. He made 57 appearances in all competitions during his first season in north London, featuring in every Premier League match.
Arteta has previously underlined the midfielder’s importance to Arsenal, praising his contribution during the club’s title-winning campaign.
“Zubi without a doubt was one of the best players for Arsenal last season,” the Arsenal manager said, in comments reported by the Sun.
“Without him we would never get into the position that we got in the last few weeks and he deserves massive credit.”
Arteta also said Zubimendi’s influence had been central to the level Arsenal maintained throughout the season, adding that “no one can neglect the importance of what we did and how important he is for us”.
Those comments help explain why Arsenal rejected Chelsea’s enquiry, with the midfielder viewed as an important part of Arteta’s plans rather than a player available for a late sale.
Chelsea continue search for Enzo Fernández replacement
Chelsea are continuing to explore alternatives after Fernández’s move to Manchester City was agreed. Sky Sports reported that Roma’s Manu Koné and Monaco’s Lamine Camara were among the midfielders under consideration, while Premier League options were also being examined.
TNT Sports also reported that Chelsea had looked at Zubimendi and Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall as part of their late search for reinforcements.
The deal for Fernández will leave Chelsea with a significant fee to reinvest, but the club face the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement at the end of the window. The Premier League deadline is 11pm, although clubs can submit deal sheets to gain an additional two hours to complete qualifying transfers.
Sky Sports said Chelsea would make an £18 million profit on Fernández, who joined from Benfica for £107 million in January 2023. The Argentina international is due to undergo a medical before finalising his move to the Etihad Stadium and reuniting with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
