Chelsea Transfer News Today: Martin Zubimendi hope as scouting mission revealed

2 Nov 2026 20:09 GMT
4 min read

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Martin Zubimendi and Gustavo Varela.

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Martin Zubimendi deal on?

Xabi Alonso could be set to complete his dream Chelsea transfer in 2027 thanks to Mikel Arteta’s selection decisions at Arsenal so far this season.

Martin Zubimendi is currently behind Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimaraes in the pecking order, and he is yet to start a Premier League match so far this season as a result.

In fact, Zubimendi has been an unused substitute in three of Arsenal’s last four English top flight fixtures, including the win over Liverpool on Sunday, and it would therefore come as no surprise if he begins to explore a possible exit amid his current status at the Emirates Stadium.

Over the summer, rumours hinted that Alonso was eager to reunite with Zubimendi, having coached him during his time in Real Sociedad’s academy, and it’s understood the pair retain an extremely close relationship.

Chelsea remain in the market for a new central midfielder and with Zubimendi currently out of favour at Arsenal, Alonso could look to test the Gunners’ resolve with an official bid next year.

Gustavo Varela wanted

Chelsea are reportedly eager to beat Arsenal to the signing of Monza striker Gustavo Varela, with the Blues sending scouts to watch him in action on Saturday.

The 21-year-old scored his 11th goal of the season during a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bologna over the weekend, and his electric start to life at Monza has attracted substantial transfer interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Varela’s form ahead of a possible approach next year, although they are set to face significant competition for his signature, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both sending club officials to watch him live over the weekend.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that representatives from Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Newcastle United and RB Leipzig were also in attendance to watch Varela at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium.

Alex Scott ahead of Lamine Camara on wishlist

Chelsea’s deal for Lamine Camara broke down in dramatic circumstances on Deadline Day and they have now firmly identified Alex Scott as their top target for January.

Given Camara’s stellar performances for Monaco this season, the perceived logic was that Chelsea would revisit a deal for the Senegal international next year, yet it appears the Blues now believe that they were wrong to try to sign him and are eyeing other targets, most notably Scott.

This has been confirmed by transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke, who told Football Insider: “I think they are looking at other targets instead and have moved on from that deal. Alex Scott, right now, is ahead of Camara on Chelsea’s list of targets for the January transfer window, that’s a deal they would like to finally get over the line.”

Estevao contract talks

Chelsea are reportedly in contract extension talks with Estevao Willian as they look to ward off interest from several top European clubs.

The Brazil international has struggled for consistent game time so far this season, following the €138 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, but he caught the eye during his first Premier League start of the campaign versus Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

Estevao had racked up just 172 minutes of action from a possible 990 before Man Utd’s visit to west London over the weekend, and this lack of game time was a driving factor behind rumours of a possible exit in 2027.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly eager to explore a potential deal in January, while Barcelona were also linked with a possible transfer after missing out on Estevao’s signature during his time at Palmeiras.

However, Alonso played down reports of a departure before his side’s win over Man Utd, and Spanish outlet AS now report that contract renewal negotiations are underway.

Estevao’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2033, but Chelsea are keen to reward him with a lucrative pay rise and it’s understood that a sale will not be sanctioned, with the Brazil attacker instead set to play a prominent role at Stamford Bridge over the coming years.

Chelsea told to block Romeo Lavia sale

Cole Palmer hailed Romeo Lavia as one of his “favourite midfielders” following the 22-year-old’s performance during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Man Utd on Saturday.

Lavia has endured an injury-disrupted three years at Chelsea since his arrival from Southampton for €62 million, but he has cemented himself as a key part of Xabi Alonso’s squad this season and he looks set for an extended period in the starting XI amid Reece James’ current absence.

In recent months, rumours have strongly suggested that Chelsea may be open to offloading Lavia due to his persistent injury troubles, but Palmer has urged the club to retain faith in the Belgium international.

“Today was one of the best games I’ve seen him [Lavia] play,” Palmer told reporters after Chelsea’s win against Man Utd.

“I’ve said all along he’s one of my favourite midfielders, and people still don’t realise how good he is.

“Obviously he’s had his injury problems, but he’s trying to put that behind him now and put in performances like today. I thought he was the best player on the pitch.”