Transfer News: Chelsea register interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
According to journalist Simon Philip, while speaking to Give Me Sport (h/t Football. London), Chelsea have registered an interest in Real Sociedad and Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The 23-year-old has been in exceptional form this season for the Basque club and has been a regular for them. He has featured in all their La Liga games so far, making a total of 17 appearances in all competitions so far.
Midfield is a department that will need reinforcing, either in January or next summer with regulars like Jorginho and N’Golo Kante seeing their current contracts expire in June.
Now, while speaking to Give Me Sport Philips has revealed the interest from the west London club and has claimed that the club has had held talks with the player’s agent.
“I was given the name Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, a Spain international. Chelsea have registered their official interest in him with his agent, so they have started that. Barcelona are another club that are interested in signing him. Apparently, Xavi really likes him.”
It would make sense to go after a midfielder like the 23-year-old. A defensive midfielder by trade, he could potentially be the long-term replacement for Kante. The Frenchman has struggled to stay fit this season.
Kante has featured only twice so far, with his last appearance coming against during the 2-2 draw at home, back in August. Since then, the Frenchman has been on the sidelines and even missed out on the World Cup.
The 31-year-old has an uncertain future at the west London club and could also be considered beyond his prime. While a fit Kante is still one of the best, the Blues knew that one day they would have to look for a long-term replacement.
Zubimendi could be that player, but it could prove tricky for the Blues to lure him from his boyhood club. The 23-year-old sees his current contract expire in 2027 and is believed to have a release clause worth ÂŁ56 million.
More Chelsea News:
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- Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Chelsea target and RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol
Barcelona also showing interest could be another problem for the west London club. It remains to be seen if the Blues do make any approach for the midfielder, either next month or next June.