Arsenal could face an increasingly difficult midfield selection call as competition for places continues to grow at the Emirates.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has already pushed Martin Zubimendi down the pecking order at times, while the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has added another major option to Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Zubimendi is determined to fight for his place, but his patience could have limits.
Chelsea Interested in Zubimendi
Chelsea remain interested in signing Zubimendi and have maintained contact over the midfielder’s situation, according to TEAMtalk.
The 27-year-old has spoken directly with Arteta, who remains a big admirer and wants to keep him involved. However, Zubimendi’s long-term future could depend on how regularly he features between now and January.
Arteta has previously described the Spain international as “impressive”, but the midfielder reportedly wants assurances through regular first-team football.
Chelsea made an enquiry during the summer and continue to monitor developments, with Real Madrid also retaining an interest in the Arsenal star.
Arsenal were unwilling to entertain a departure during the previous window, but that stance could be tested if Zubimendi fails to regain a regular role. Several other clubs are also understood to have made contact, meaning Chelsea could face competition should the midfielder decide to move on.
For now, Zubimendi remains focused on earning his place back at Arsenal, but the situation is one Chelsea will be watching closely.
Elsewhere, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso recently addressed speculation that Estevao is unhappy with his role sitting on the bench and that he could leave the club.
