Chelsea may be preparing for their boldest move of the transfer window as they explore a deal to bring Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi across London.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso wants Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi at Stamford Bridge.

That is according to reports in Spain, which say the new Blues manager is still keen to strengthen his midfield options and has identified his fellow Spaniard as a possible signing to play alongside Moises Caicedo.

Zubimendi has had an outstanding 12 months, winning the Premier League and the World Cup, but he could be open to the move because his game time may soon reduce significantly.

FourFourTwo understands that Real Madrid — managed at the time by Alonso — were among the leading contenders to sign Zubimendi a year ago, when it became clear that the No.6 was willing to leave his boyhood club Real Sociedad.

Real made a strong push for the midfielder, while Liverpool and Manchester City also showed interest at different points, but Zubimendi was ultimately convinced by the chance to work with fellow Basque Mikel Arteta, as well as reunite with former team-mates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.

Zubimendi featured in a huge 57 matches in all competitions for the Gunners last season, including every single Premier League game, but Spanish outlet Fichajes has now backed up claims from Chelsea writer Si Phillips that Alonso has asked for the signing amid an uncertain situation.

Arteta relied heavily on Zubimendi during the first half of the season, but by the end of the campaign, Myles Lewis-Skelly was starting in midfield alongside Declan Rice and even began the Champions League final ahead of the more experienced player.

With Arsenal now moving closer to completing a deal for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, opportunities for Zubimendi in N5 could become even more limited.

The 27-year-old was one of Arteta's key players in the early part of his debut season, but he appeared fatigued towards the end of the campaign, becoming less tidy in possession and no longer showing the same verticality and bravery that marked his early displays after joining.

From Zubimendi's point of view, a switch to Stamford Bridge would offer the chance to work under another Basque coach who understands his role — and who also played in that position himself — while Chelsea being out of Europe this season would mean he is less likely to be overworked in his second year in English football.

Arteta has previously shown that he can make quick decisions on midfielders, though FourFourTwo understands that he does not want to lose the World Cup-winning Spaniard, and Arsenal will not consider offers unless they are exceptional — particularly because of fitness concerns surrounding Declan Rice.

The England international carried a back injury through much of the World Cup and at times played through “terrible pain” for the Three Lions, raising fears that he could require a lengthy spell out before returning to domestic action.

According to Transfermarkt, Zubimendi is valued at €75 million. Chelsea begin their Premier League season against Fulham.