Arsenal set price for Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid approach

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Picture: Getty)

Xabi Alonso is ‘pushing’ Chelsea to sign Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal completed a £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports in Spain.

Mikel Arteta bolstered what is already a strong and deep Arsenal midfield with the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle United .

The Brazilian’s arrival in north London has led to speculation a current Arsenal midfielder could be moved on.

Zubimendi enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career following last summer’s £60m move from Real Sociedad but faded towards the end of the season.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim Zubimendi is in a ‘precarious situation’, with his future far from ‘certain’.

They say Real Madrid are weighing up a fresh move for Zubimendi, having missed out on the Spain World Cup and Euros winner 12 months ago.

But the La Liga giants face ‘tough competition’ from Chelsea, who have been instructed by new manager Alonso to bring Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty)

Alonso worked with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad before trying to sign him during his brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.

Arsenal’s stance on selling Zubimendi remains unclear but Mundo Deportivo say they would want at least 90m euros (£77m) to sanction his exit.

Liverpool legend and ex-England defender Jamie Carragher questioned Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal as they were about to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle.

Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said: ‘Do you think it’s the end for Zubimendi there? In terms of being what he was supposed to be when he was brought in.

‘He was supposed to come in and be this controller. I don’t see him ever getting that place back now.’