Chelsea and Real Madrid eye Arsenal’s Zubimendi; Icardi links

BBC Sport reports that Martin Zubimendi (27) could push for a move away from Arsenal in January after losing his place in the starting XI. The outlet adds that both Chelsea and Real Madrid have taken an interest in the Spain midfielder.

Zubimendi: possible January call

The idea, per the same source, is that his reduced role could push him to look for a new opportunity during the winter window.

Everton’s other names

In the free-agent market, Mauro Icardi (33) is said to be open to joining Everton after leaving Galatasaray in July. However, BBC Sport also states that people inside Everton have played down any links to Icardi and Anthony Martial (30).

Martial is described as having last played for the Mexican side Monterrey, while the story frames the Everton interest as more noise than substance.

The round-up also includes other transfer notes: Giorgio Scalvini (22) is reported by Fabrizio Romano to have signed a new long-term deal with Atalanta, while Ian Maatsen (24) is said to be in talks over a new contract with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah (27) is considering switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana, and Kevin Viveros (26) is nearing a new deal with Athletico Paranaense after attracting attention from Sunderland and Aston Villa.

As always with gossip, the key will be what turns into concrete offers rather than short-lived rumours.