Fabrizio Romano Reveals Xabi Alonso's Desire To Work With Martin Zubimendi

Xabi Alonso would welcome the opportunity to work with Martin Zubimendi again, but Alex Scott is another midfielder Chelsea are keeping an eye on, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer journalist said Chelsea manager Alonso remains a big admirer of Zubimendi and would love to bring the Arsenal midfielder to Stamford Bridge one day. However, he warned that persuading Arsenal to sell to a direct Premier League rival would require a significant financial offer.

Speaking in a YouTube update, Romano also highlighted Bournemouth midfielder Scott as a player to watch when considering Chelsea's midfield options.

“The coach that loves Zubimendi is Xabi Alonso, one day he would love to work with him but to see Arsenal to sell to Chelsea would take very big money, the name I would keep in mind for Chelsea is still Alex Scott”

Alonso has previously attempted to bring Zubimendi into his team. Romano revealed that the Spaniard asked about signing the midfielder during discussions over becoming Bayern Munich manager.

Alonso eventually left Bayer Leverkusen to take charge of Real Madrid, having previously worked with Zubimendi in Real Sociedad's B team.

The latest comments follow a report from The Independent claiming that Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are monitoring Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in 2025 in a deal worth close to £60m. He made 57 appearances in all competitions last season as Mikel Arteta's side won the Premier League and finished runners-up in the Champions League, losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

His situation has since changed, with the midfielder losing his place in Arsenal's starting XI. However, Arteta still considers him a valuable member of the squad.

Scott, meanwhile, has also attracted significant attention ahead of the January window.

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose was adamant in August that the club would not sell the midfielder, saying he was 120 per cent sure Scott would remain at the Vitality Stadium.

However, Romano reported on October 14 that Bournemouth's position had changed following meetings with the player's representatives. He said Scott could be allowed to leave in January if a substantial offer arrives, with Chelsea still interested in securing his signature.

Romano added that Bournemouth are expected to demand more than £100m for the 23-year-old, a valuation also reported by the BBC.

Chelsea's interest in midfield reinforcements comes after a summer in which they reportedly failed to sign a central midfielder.

Enzo Fernandez left Stamford Bridge for Manchester City on September 1, deadline day, in a joint British-record £125m deal, leaving the club needing additional options in the middle of the pitch.