Chelsea’s hunt for Enzo Fernandez’s replacement has seen them turn towards Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and in an era in which Premier League giants appear increasingly open to selling to one another, such a move makes a good deal of sense for the Blues.

Enzo departed Stamford Bridge late in the summer transfer window, and while Monaco’s Lamine Camara had been expected to replace him, the deal broke down late in the window.

It has left Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso with an unwelcome gap to plug in the heart of his team, and the Basque believes that Zubimendi would fit the bill.

What’s happened to Zubimendi at Arsenal?

Martin Zubimendi’s fall from grace at Arsenal has been both rapid and brutal. Having been an integral part of the side that won the Premier League last season, the Spaniard finds himself linked with a January transfer just weeks later.

The Independent reports Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all interested in how his situation develops, with the 27-year-old have started only three times this season and having played only 11 minutes of Premier League football since the last international break, despite no availability issues.

Although there have been claims that Zubimendi is unhappy at Arsenal, FootballTransfers has revealed that he is not pushing for a transfer in January.

But while the Spaniard is not actively seeking a way out of the club, there remains the possibility that Arsenal could sell if it unlocks the possibility of adding a player in another area of the field manager Mikel Arteta feels they need strengthened, for example in attack.

Zubimendi would complete Alonso’s midfield

Chelsea are an excellent destination for Zubimendi, according to data analytics experts SciSports, which demonstrates using its Career Advice tool that Stamford Bridge would likely be a strong option for him.

Alonso’s side score 81 on its calculation, which takes into account many factors such as development, playing time, style and formation. Indeed, only PSG, Liverpool and Inter Milan score higher.

In particular, Alonso’s Chelsea would provide an excellent foundation for Zubimendi, with five stars in playing style and four in formation.

From the player’s perspective, he should earn more game time, despite the Blues’ strength lying with their midfielders.

SciSports adds that Zubimendi would arrive at Chelsea as their third-strongest central midfield option behind Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. This should guarantee the type of pitch time that Arsenal have not been able to give him.

And he would offer balance that Chelsea’s midfield does not currently have. His ability to control tempo and resist pressure is something Alonso’s side lack in the middle of the park in possession, while his tactical awareness without the ball is also excellent.

A big money move like this between rivals would have been unlikely a matter of years ago, but it is growing increasingly in fashion in the Premier League. Enzo’s switch to Man City is evidence of a more fluidity of players between clubs in the ‘Big 6’.

If Zubimendi is to be the latest, Chelsea would be the big winners.