Chelsea to make surprise move for Arsenal midfielder?

Chelsea could make a surprise approach for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi when the transfer window reopens at the start of the New Year.

The Spain international lost his starting spot with the Gunners in May this year, and he has since struggled for regular minutes in the Premier League.

Zubimendi has yet to start in the English top-flight this campaign, with Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimaraes ahead of him in the pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta.

The former Real Sociedad man recently started as a right-back during the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Ipswich Town. He was reportedly not pleased to be playing out of position for the club.

Real Madrid are already exploring a winter deal for the Spaniard but they could face competition from the Blues due to manager Xabi Alonso's close relationship with Zubimendi from his time at Sociedad.

Alonso previously managed Zubimendi at Sociedad B, and he was also keen on bringing him to Los Blancos when he was their head coach.