Arsenal’s £75 million move for Bruno Guimarães has created an unexpected transfer subplot, with Chelsea now linked with one of the champions’ existing midfielders.

Guimarães gives Mikel Arteta even more depth in a department already containing Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

That extra competition could make minutes harder to guarantee for Martin Zubimendi, despite the Spaniard playing an important role in Arsenal’s title-winning season.

For Chelsea, the attraction is clear. Xabi Alonso knows Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and would be adding a technically secure midfielder capable of controlling possession and dictating tempo from deep.

Arsenal set price tag for midfielder Zubimendi

According to Mundo Deportivo, Zubimendi’s situation at Arsenal has become more uncertain following Guimarães’ arrival.

The Spanish outlet reports that Arsenal are not desperate to sell the 27-year-old, but could demand at least €90 million (£77m) to sanction an exit.

The report says Alonso is keen on taking Zubimendi to Chelsea after previously wanting him at Real Madrid.

Chelsea, however, may face competition. Real Madrid are also considering returning for the Spain international, potentially turning the situation into a bidding battle.

Chelsea have already been busy this summer. Their official transfer update lists Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck among their additions, while Andrey Santos has joined Manchester United.

Zubimendi signing could work well for Chelsea

Zubimendi would be expensive, but the tactical logic is easy to understand.

Chelsea have plenty of midfield talent, yet adding a calm organiser alongside Moisés Caicedo could give Alonso more control in difficult matches and free the side’s creative players to operate higher up the pitch.

The biggest obstacle may be Arsenal themselves. Selling a player of Zubimendi’s quality to a direct Premier League rival would carry obvious risk when both clubs expect to challenge near the top.

Real Madrid’s interest could actually help Arsenal by increasing the price and offering a route outside England. That means Chelsea may have to move decisively if Alonso really sees Zubimendi as central to his rebuild.

For now, the move looks ambitious rather than advanced. But Alonso’s relationship with the player gives Chelsea an intriguing edge if Arsenal genuinely open the door.

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