Chelsea are set to battle Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid for the signing of Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Spain international was linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge over the summer and while a deal never materialised, he remains on their transfer radar amid their pursuit of at least one new central midfielder in 2027.

Zubimendi has fallen out of favour at Arsenal this season, following the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, and it’s understood that Chelsea are keeping close tabs on his situation ahead of January.

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 27-year-old in recent days, and interest from all three clubs has been confirmed by The Independent, who report that a deal might be possible due to Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

The Gunners may need to raise funds for the signing of a new superstar forward through player sales, and Zubimendi is one of the stars who could be sacrificed if they are able to recoup the €70 million they paid to sign him last year.

Zubimendi has played just 380 minutes of action from a possible 1,530 across all competitions so far this term, although FootballTransfers has been told that he is not currently pushing to leave Arsenal in 2027, despite his lack of game time so far this season.

Martin Zubimendi: A Xabi Alonso favourite

Alonso wanted to sign Zubimendi for Real Madrid last summer, before his move to Arsenal, and it’s understood that he remains keen on a reunion at Chelsea, despite the club’s pursuit of Bournemouth star Alex Scott.

Alonso coached Zubimendi in Real Sociedad’s B team and when asked about the Spain midfielder back in 2022, the Chelsea boss told reporters: “Martin's a player all coaches would want.

“He's generous, he always thinks more about his team-mates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.

“He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise the axis.”

Meanwhile, Alonso is regarded as Zubimendi’s football idol, and the chance to reunite with his compatriot at Chelsea could prove tempting amid his lack of game time at Arsenal.