‘Started that’: Chelsea are in now in contact with agent of £56m midfielder who Barca want

Chelsea now appear to be in communication with Martin Zubimendi’s agent from Real Sociedad.

Chelsea now appear to be in communication with Martin Zubimendi’s agent from Real Sociedad.

According to Simon Phillips of GiveMeSport, the chain of command at Stamford Bridge has been in touch with the Spaniard’s representatives regarding a potential transfer.

Given that Graham Potter’s current pack of midfielders doesn’t quite make the grade, Todd Boehly seems to be on the market for a new player.

N’Golo Kante will miss the majority of the current season and may depart Cobham in the summer.

In the middle of the field, Jorginho’s ability to maintain control has obviously declined. Conor Gallagher is still getting used to life after a successful season on loan at Crystal Palace, and Ruben Loftus-injury Cheek’s issues remain a problem.

Mateo Kovacic is the lone constant in central midfield as a result.

The Croat, meanwhile, might be still suffering the aftereffects of participating in all seven of his nation’s World Cup games.

It comes as no surprisҽ that Boehly appears to be looking for different choices in that part of the park.

Which, according to Phillips, has led the Chelsea owner and his team at the doorstep of Sociedad’s academy graduate. “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,” he said.

Since making his senior debut in 2020, Zubimendi has established himself as one of the brightest stars for the Spanish team. He has made 115 appearances for Sociedad and hasn’t missed a La Liga match yet this year.

Due to the fαct that he has only had one first-team international cap for Spain, his abilities have not yet fully blossomed on a global scale. But more will undoubtedly be added to Zubimendi’s résumé, particularly if he manages to land a transfer to Chelsea and continue his career.

Barcelona are also said to be in the hυnt for their league rival’s prodigy, with Xavi reportedly preferring him to snatching Kante from Potter’s squad. For Boehly to land the midfielder, GiveMeSport claim he will have to fork out £56m to cover his release clause.

In today’s explosive market, this is a relatively low fee.

Ziyech and Ounahi urged to seek January transfer by Morocco manager
When Morocco advanced to the World Cup semifinal round, they did so as the first African country to do so. Ziyech and Ounahi were two of their main players. After being eventually eliminated by France, they fell to Croatia 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Due to a lack of playing time at Chelsea, both players have been linked with moves abroad in January. Ounahi’s performance for his nation is anticipated to prompt him to leave Angers, who are now dҽad last in Ligue 1.

Jose Mourinho praised Ounahi for his performances at the competition, and Chelsea manager Graham Potter said that he was impressed with Ziyech’s play in Qatar. But it’s unclear whether the Blues’ head coach will give him a starting spot once the Premier League resumes.

Ziyech was advised by Potter to “be patient” and hold out for an opportunity to make an impression in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge during the pre-match news conference prior to their home encounter against AFC Bournemouth.

Potter will only have one month to persuade Ziyech that staying at the club is the best choice for him at the age of 29, as the winter transfer market will open on January 1.

Morocco’s record-breaking World Cup manager Walid Regragui has spoken about the transfer status of his international players and made his feelings clear.

He told Viola News: “[Selim] Amallah and [Azzedine] Ounahi will surely find better clubs and the same for Ziyech, who has shown what he can do, he deserves to be a starter in Chelsea.”

Napoli, Inter Milan, Leicester City, Leeds United and FC Barcelona have all been linked with a move for Ounahi, while AC Milan appeared the most likely destination for Ziyech in the summer.

Ounahi, 22, looks set to leave Angers if the right offer comes in for him in January; as for Ziyech, it will ultimately come down to how often he’s used by Potter before the window closes.