Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is pushing to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to reports from Spain, in what would rank among the most eye-catching transfers of the summer window.

Alonso is said to have personally requested the signing after identifying Zubimendi as the ideal complement to Moises Caicedo at the base of Chelsea's midfield. The Spanish outlet Fichajes published the claims, which align with earlier reporting from Chelsea correspondent Si Phillips.

A complicated future in north London

Zubimendi had a remarkable debut season in English football, playing all 38 Premier League fixtures and appearing in 57 games across all competitions for Arsenal. However, his grip on a starting berth grew uncertain towards the end of the campaign.

Manager Mikel Arteta leaned on Zubimendi extensively in the first half of the season, but later shifted toward a midfield pairing of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice — with Lewis-Skelly even starting the Champions League final ahead of Zubimendi.

Arsenal's move to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United further clouds the picture for the 27-year-old, who may find consistent minutes increasingly difficult to secure at the Emirates.

Alonso and the Basque connection

The appeal of reuniting with a fellow Basque coach is understood to be a factor in Zubimendi's thinking. Alonso, who played as a deep-lying midfielder during his career, is seen as someone who fully understands the demands of the position.

It was a similar cultural and regional bond with Arteta — along with the presence of former Real Sociedad team-mates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino — that persuaded Zubimendi to choose Arsenal over Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City a year ago.

With Chelsea out of European competition this season, a move to Stamford Bridge would also offer Zubimendi a lighter workload as he enters his second year in England.

Arsenal reluctant to sell

Despite the uncertainty over playing time, Arsenal have no desire to part with their World Cup winner. The club will not entertain offers unless they are exceptional, particularly given fitness concerns surrounding Declan Rice, who is reported to have played through significant back pain during the World Cup.

Zubimendi is valued at €75 million by Transfermarkt. Chelsea open their Premier League campaign against Fulham.