Zubimendi: the 70 million euro question
The biggest story of the weekend carries into Monday. Arsenal want at least 70 million euros to sell Martín Zubimendi next year, and the price tag has not scared anyone off. Real Madrid have now joined Chelsea in the race for the 26-year-old midfielder, who has lost his regular starting spot at the Emirates and may push for a January exit.
On our model Zubimendi rates 88 OVR with a market value of 67.5 to 82.5 million euros, so Arsenal’s asking price is not a fantasy. It is roughly market. The interesting part is the leverage: Zubimendi is under contract until 2030, which means Arsenal only sell if the player forces it. A January push, which reports first flagged on Friday, now looks like the only realistic path to a deal.
Real Madrid ready to review Endrick
Arsenal could move for Endrick in January, with Real Madrid ready to review the Brazilian’s future amid his lack of game time. The striker arrived amid enormous fanfare but finds minutes hard to come by, and a loan-to-buy or structured permanent deal in the winter window would suit all parties. Arsenal’s forward line has been prolific but thin, and Endrick is the profile of upside bet that could be had below peak price if Madrid decide to cash in.
Alisson enters the final year
Quietly, one of the most consequential contract situations in the Premier League is ticking at Anfield. Alisson’s deal expires at the end of the season, and reports over the weekend say Liverpool have yet to offer him an extension. Juventus were interested in the summer and Liverpool had no intention of selling, but that stance only holds until January, when the goalkeeper can sign a pre-contract abroad.
The signals from inside the club point the other way: Andoni Iraola appointed Alisson as one of his vice-captains and the 33-year-old has started all four matches this season, three in the league plus the Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid. This reads like a negotiation Liverpool still control. Until a signature arrives, it is the highest-value free agent risk in England.
Raphinha, Rashford and the rest
Elsewhere in the Monday files:
- Raphinha: Barcelona are set to offer the Brazilian a new contract following rumoured interest from Chelsea. Expect the Blues to test resolve before anything is signed.
- Marcus Rashford: it emerged that 12 clubs submitted enquiries for the forward this summer before he stayed at Manchester United. Twelve enquiries and zero bids tells you where the market thinks his wage and form profile sits.
- Granit Xhaka: confirmed why he rejected the chance to join Chelsea this summer.
- Manu Koné: Chelsea are preparing a bid for the Roma midfielder, with Liverpool also linked in some reports.
- Arsenal's next wave: the Gunners have agreed a pre-contract for young Andria Bartishvili and remain interested in Julian Alvarez, Eli Junior Kroupi, Nico Paz and Kenan Yildiz, according to London reports.
The skouted.ai read
Zubimendi’s situation is the one to watch. An 88 OVR midfielder in his prime, priced at market, with two elite clubs now actively circling, is the profile that moves in January far more often than in summer. Our verdict on the player himself remains watch: fairly priced, exceptional quality, and available only if he forces the door.
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