Martin Zubimendi could potentially do exactly what Ayden Heaven did after leaving Arsenal

Ayden Heaven left Arsenal to join Manchester United in early 2025.

The Hale End graduate, who United paid a compensation fee of just over £1million for, made his Premier League debut against his former club.

He came off the bench for Leny Yoro in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in March 2025, and has since established himself as a first-team player under Michael Carrick.

Arsenal fans could potentially be about to see another one of their players join a rival club and make their debut against them.

Chelsea could make late move for Martin Zubimendi

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are considering a late move for Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentine wants to join Manchester City and a switch to the Etihad is believed to be in the final stages.

Should Fernandez leave Stamford Bridge tonight, Chelsea could turn to Zubimendi to fill the void.

Xabi Alonso is said to be a big fan and is pushing for the move.

However, Arsenal surely won’t sanction such a deal this late in the window — especially not to Chelsea.

Alonso’s side are being tipped to be Arsenal’s biggest title challengers this season, and the two clubs face each other at the Emirates in just five days.

Zubimendi had a strong cameo against Aston Villa, coming off the bench for the final 15-20 minutes on Monday night to help secure the win.

The World Cup winner looked refocused and remotivated — a huge boost for Mikel Arteta, who will want him available and committed for that Chelsea fixture.

Zubimendi was the only player to feature in every Premier League game last season.

His stock might have fallen over the last few months, but he is an important part of this squad and he will get plenty of minutes this season, even after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.

They can’t sell him to Chelsea at this stage — it would be an extraordinary act of self-sabotage. Arsenal shouldn’t even be entertaining this conversation.