Chelsea make enquiry for £60m Arsenal star, Gunners' stance revealed
Arsenal have knocked back an enquiry from Chelsea for midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to The Guardian.
The Spain international had a good debut season with the Gunners, but lost his starting spot towards the end of the campaign after a dip in his performances.
Myles Lewis-Skelly partnered Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield from May last term, and Arsenal have since signed Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.
This has fueled speculation that Zubimendi could depart for regular game time, but the Gunners have recently turned down an enquiry from Chelsea.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg adds that Arsenal are reluctant to sell Zubimendi to the Blues.
Arsenal should not strengthen Chelsea with Zubimendi
Chelsea are looking to part ways with Enzo Fernandez. Manchester City are keen admirers and are planning talks with the Blues to sign the World Cup winner.
The west London club need a proper replacement in the squad, and their interest in Zubimendi does not surprise us, given manager Xabi Alonso’s bond with the player.
Alonso managed Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B and was also determined to bring him to Real Madrid last summer, but the Gunners beat Los Blancos to the Spaniard.
Zubimendi has plenty of qualities that would suit Alonso’s playing style. He is superb with the ball at his feet and has the ability to provide key passes in the final third.
The 27-year-old also showed his creative side at Arsenal last term with nine goal contributions.
As things stand, Zubimendi is no longer an assured starter with Rice, Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes ahead of him in the pecking order in central midfield. He also faces competition from Mikel Merino.
The Sociedad graduate may have the desire to pursue a new challenge, but manager Mikel Arteta recently highlighted that he is a ‘really important player‘ in the squad.
Hence, we don’t see the Gunners parting ways with Zubimendi, who cost £60 million. It also does not make sense to strengthen Chelsea, who could be league title contenders.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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