Arsenal have reportedly sent a firm message to Real Madrid and Chelsea over Martin Zubimendi, with the Premier League champions demanding at least €90 million (£77m) to consider selling the Spain midfielder this summer.
Zubimendi’s future has come under fresh scrutiny following Arsenal’s £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Brazilian’s arrival gives Mikel Arteta another elite midfield option alongside Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Zubimendi.
Reports in Spain claim Arsenal have now placed a €90m valuation on Zubimendi as interest builds from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
The 27-year-old only arrived at the Emirates last summer after Arsenal paid around £60m to sign him from Real Sociedad, but the increased competition for places has raised questions over how Arteta will structure his midfield.
Zubimendi initially impressed following his arrival in England and played an important role as Arsenal won the Premier League title.
However, his performances dipped towards the end of the campaign as fatigue became a factor. Arsenal’s decision to sign Guimaraes provides Arteta with greater depth and flexibility in an area where his options were stretched last season.
The arrival of the former Newcastle captain does not necessarily mean Zubimendi will leave. Arsenal now possess a formidable collection of midfielders, with Guimaraes joining a group that also includes Rice, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
But Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring developments.
The Spanish giants were linked with Zubimendi before his move to Arsenal and could revive their interest as they consider midfield alternatives following their pursuit of Manchester City star Rodri.
Chelsea are also being linked with the Spain international.
Reports suggest Blues boss Xabi Alonso is particularly interested in Zubimendi, having previously worked with him while coaching Real Sociedad B. That existing relationship could make the midfielder an attractive target as Chelsea continue reshaping their squad.
Arsenal, though, appear determined to negotiate from a position of strength. Zubimendi is only one year into his Emirates career, and the reported €90m asking price represents a substantial increase on what the Gunners paid for him.
Fresh reports on Sunday confirmed that Arsenal have set a price for Zubimendi amid Chelsea’s interest, although there is no indication yet that the Gunners are actively attempting to sell him.
Guimaraes’ arrival could instead be about giving Arteta enough quality to rotate his midfield through another demanding campaign.
The Brazilian can operate in several midfield roles and could provide cover for Rice as well as compete directly with Zubimendi. That versatility was one of the key attractions behind Arsenal’s decision to spend £75m on the former Newcastle captain.
Any serious interest from Real Madrid or Chelsea will therefore have to be backed by a major financial commitment.
For now, Arsenal hold the cards — and their reported £77m valuation makes clear they will not allow Zubimendi to leave cheaply.
