Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has previously expressed his desire to work with midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has been linked with a potential move away from Arsenal, according to reports.

A new midfielder is understood to be high on Chelsea’s agenda in the upcoming transfer windows after failing to secure a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who joined Manchester City on a British-record £125 million last summer.

Zubimendi has been one of the names rumoured to be on Chelsea’s list. This is not because Chelsea have already made a move for the holding midfielder in recent years, but rather due to Alonso’s reported admiration for the player.

According to Romano, Alonso was already a big fan of Zubimendi when he was still at Bayer Leverkusen.

“When we talk about Zubimendi, we should always (remember) that there is a manager who loves him, and that manager is Xabi Alonso,” Romano claimed on his YouTube channel.

Romano added that when Alonso was still at Leverkusen, he was approached by Bayern Munich for the head coach position. In the end, it did not happen because Alonso opted to join Real Madrid, but when Alonso was in talks with Bayern, he expressed his desire to sign the midfielder.

“He told them, ‘If I’m coming, I want Zubimendi,’” Romano explained.

“One day, Alonso would love to work with Zubimendi, but at the moment, that’s it. Also, to see Arsenal selling to Chelsea, obviously, that would take very big money.

“On Chelsea, I will keep in mind the name of Alex Scott when we talk about midfielders.”

Based on Romano’s claim, the conversation with Bayern Munich likely took place before Zubimendi signed for Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £60m in July 2025. Alonso was appointed Real Madrid's new head coach just months prior.

Following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly this season, Zubimendi has played a less prominent role for Arsenal compared to last season.

He has only featured 12 times for the Gunners, having yet to make a Premier League start this term.

However, as Romano also pointed out, in a recent interview, Zubimendi already clarified that he is not desperate to leave Arsenal despite his limited minutes this season.

Speaking to Marca, the Spain international insisted he is “happy” in London and admitted he was surprised by the rumours linking him with a potential January move to Atletico Madrid.

“The truth is, I’m sometimes surprised by the press too,” Zubimendi said about the transfer rumours. 

“I understand that the winter transfer window is coming up and rumours can start to circulate, but I think we need to be a bit more careful about what’s published. 

“At the end of the day, everyone has a team they play for, and we need to show respect. I’ve also read that I might be close to a move, but that’s far from the truth.”

The 27-year-old further admitted that, being at one of the top teams in Europe, he understands how fierce the competition for spots could be, especially after new signings arrived in your positions.

“I’m also part of that competition. That makes it so difficult to get a game,” he added.

Zubimendi is under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2030, and given the fee Arsenal had to pay for him in 2025, it is safe to say it would take a huge offer to convince them to sell the midfielder to London rivals.