Chelsea are reportedly planning to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott currently topping their list of targets. However, Martin Zubimendi has also emerged as a potential option who could address some of the team’s midfield weaknesses.

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Blues have been monitoring Scott for some time, while Bournemouth are increasingly open to considering offers for the midfielder. Despite this interest, Zubimendi could prove to be an attractive alternative for manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea previously considered signing the Spanish international during the summer transfer window. Recent reports have also suggested that Zubimendi is unhappy with his limited opportunities at Arsenal and could consider leaving the Emirates Stadium in January.

Although Arsenal would be reluctant to sell to a direct Premier League rival, the midfielder’s struggle to secure regular starts could make a departure a possibility as he looks for more playing time.

Chelsea’s performances in midfield have been inconsistent this season. While Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson have occasionally demonstrated their ability to control games, the team has also struggled to dominate possession against certain opponents.

Their 2-0 loss to Tottenham exposed those difficulties, with Chelsea managing just 31 per cent possession despite playing at Stamford Bridge.

Even in their victory over Brighton, Alonso’s side recorded only 26 per cent possession, highlighting their problems maintaining control in midfield.

Zubimendi’s ability to dictate play, distribute the ball effectively and maintain positional discipline could help address these shortcomings. His statistics from last season underline his strengths as a midfielder.

The Spaniard completed 1,684 passes in the Premier League, a figure that placed him ahead of 95.1 per cent of midfielders. He also recorded 373 line-breaking passes, outperforming 85.2 per cent of players in his position.

Former Real Sociedad coach Aitor Zulaika has previously highlighted his passing ability, defensive awareness, forward movement, work rate and capacity to intercept opposition attacks.

Romeo Lavia offers similar qualities, but his recurring injury problems have raised concerns about his availability. Scott, meanwhile, is admired for his energy, intensity and ability to cover ground in a box-to-box role.

Although the Bournemouth midfielder has considerable potential, Chelsea’s immediate need appears to be a player capable of controlling possession and dictating the tempo of matches.

Zubimendi could offer those qualities alongside Caicedo, potentially providing Alonso with a more balanced midfield partnership as Chelsea prepare for the second half of the season.