Chelsea are eyeing a move for 24-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is also a target for Barcelona.
The Blues are eager to bolster their defensive midfield options ahead of the next season and see Zubimendi as a potential solution.
The Spain international has impressed with his performances over the past year, catching the attention of Barcelona as they seek to replace Sergio Busquets. While the Catalan giants are interested, their financial struggles have put them at a disadvantage in pursuing the player.
Chelsea’s initial priority was to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, but negotiations have been challenging due to valuation issues. Consequently, Zubimendi has emerged as an alternative, and the West Londoners are prepared to activate his €60 million release clause if the Caicedo deal falls through.
Zubimendi played a crucial role in Real Sociedad’s success last season, helping them secure a top-four finish and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. With his exceptional form and lower cost compared to Caicedo, he appears to be an appealing option for Chelsea.
However, it remains to be seen if the potential €60 million move for Zubimendi to Chelsea will materialise.