Chelsea<\/a> remain keen on signing Spanish international midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal<\/a>, according to TEAMtalk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Before the conclusion of the summer transfer<\/a> window, Chelsea were heavily tipped to sign a midfielder capable of starting instantly and influencing matches.<\/p>\n The club brought in Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco from Brentford and Strasbourg, respectively, to bolster their midfield ranks. However, Henderson is considered more of an experienced player to provide leadership for the club\u2019s young squad, while Barco is more of a prospect who still needs time to acclimatise to the tenacity of the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n Before the transfer deadline, Xabi Alonso\u2019s side sought to recruit at least one midfielder and reportedly saw late moves for Lamine Camara and Manu Kone rebuffed.<\/p>\n According to reports via Football Talk<\/a>, Chelsea shortlisted Arsenal\u2019s Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez<\/a>, but a deal did not materialise.<\/p>\n Now, having played just 73 minutes of football this season, TEAMtalk<\/em> reports that Zubimendi would push for a departure in the January transfer window should his lack of playing time continue.<\/p>\n Although the 27-year-old is keen on gaining the manager\u2019s trust over the next months, he has held talks with Mikel Arteta<\/a>, who has assured him of a more prominent role, according to the report.<\/p>\n Amid concerns over his departure, TEAMtalk<\/em> reports that Chelsea explored a move for Zubimendi and held talks with his entourage, but Arsenal were adamant on retaining him.<\/p>\n Despite the failed move, the report adds that the Blues remain keen admirers of the Spaniard and have been in regular contact to understand his situation.<\/p>\n However, Chelsea are set to face stern competition from several clubs, including Real Madrid<\/a> and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, in the race for Zubimendi\u2019s signature, TEAMtalk<\/em> adds.<\/p>\n Chelsea started their Carabao Cup third-round victory against Leeds United with 16-year-old academy star Reggie Watson and Valentin Barco in midfield.<\/p>\n The London giants\u2019 midfield was almost nonexistent for the first 60 minutes of the game, and that lack of control has been the theme of their season so far.<\/p>\n Bringing in a player of Zubimendi\u2019s qualities would hand Alonso a viable midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of games and orchestrating plays from deep.<\/p>\n Having only moved to the Emirates a year ago, Chelsea will need to submit a significant bid, as Arsenal will likely demand a fee above his \u00a364m Transfermarkt<\/a> valuation to sanction his departure.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChelsea remain keen on signing Zubimendi<\/h2>\n
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