Arsenal have no desire to sell Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to reports, despite Chelsea and Real Madrid expressing interest in the midfielder.
The 27-year-old Spain international has lost his place in the team towards the end of the season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly starting ahead of him during the run-in and Zubimendi benched for the Champions League final against PSG.
Zubimendi's situation at Arsenal
Zubimendi made a superb start to his Arsenal career following last summer's £60m move from Real Sociedad but struggled for minutes before the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, who joined for £75m from Newcastle United. Guimaraes strengthens a Premier League title-winning midfield which already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Zubimendi.
Zubimendi was included in Spain's triumphant World Cup squad but made just one appearance during the tournament.
Chelsea and Real Madrid interest
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso worked with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad and tried to sign him last summer during his spell in charge of Real Madrid. Reports in Spain said Madrid were 'gutted' to miss out on a deal for Zubimendi and are said to be interested in reviving their interest if Arsenal indicate he could be sold.
But Arsenal have 'no desire' to offload Zubimendi this summer, according to the Daily Express, and still view the Spaniard as a key member of Mikel Arteta's squad. Arteta intends to keep hold of Zubimendi despite Guimaraes' arrival as he plots a Premier League title defence and another Champions League challenge.
Potential sale for exorbitant fee
While Arsenal appear determined not to sell Zubimendi, the report adds that 'every player has his price', with the club willing to change their stance should an 'exorbitant fee' arrive on the table. Last week reports in Spain said Arsenal valued Zubimendi at around 90m euros (£77m).
Amid speculation they could target Zubimendi, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign his Arsenal teammate Lewis-Skelly but rejected the opportunity. Chelsea should press ahead with their pursuit of Zubimendi, according to former Blues defender Glen Johnson.
'I think he would be a brilliant signing for Chelsea,' Johnson told SeatPin. 'I'm not sure why Arsenal are even signing players to replace him when he was so influential for them last season. He has worked with Alonso before at Real Sociedad, so Xabi must really like the player to be pushing to re-sign him at Chelsea. He's now a Premier League winner, so he's only going to be a better player than what he was when they last worked together. I'd be surprised if Arsenal let him go to Chelsea, but if they do, more fool them. He was brilliant last season and knows what it takes to win in the Premier League, which is exactly what Chelsea need. He could be the backbone of Chelsea's midfield next season, and if Alonso wants him as badly as being reported, then the club should do everything they can to sign him.'
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City a week on Friday.
