Transfer gossip round-up: Chelsea and Real Madrid keen on Arsenal's Zubimendi - Friday's gossip

The latest BBC gossip digest has the transfer market buzzing with a mix of player ambitions and club pursuits. From midfield exits to contract extensions, the chatter spans the Premier League to Serie A and beyond.

Arsenal’s midfield spot is under pressure as Martin Zubimendi is said to be looking at a January exit after losing his place in the XI, with Chelsea and Real Madrid reportedly interested in the 27‑year‑old Spain midfielder, according to Teamtalk. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have reportedly offered 21‑year‑old Turkish midfielder Arda Guler a six‑year contract, with the deal noted by Fabrizio Romano via Teamtalk and the added detail that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso counts the youngster among his admirers.

Everton’s transfer radar is also in focus. Teamtalk reports that Argentine striker and free agent Mauro Icardi, 33, is open to moving to Everton after leaving Galatasary in July. However, i Paper says sources at Everton have played down links to Icardi and fellow free agent Anthony Martial, the 30‑year‑old France forward who last played for Mexican side Monterrey.

Italian clubs feature prominently in the defensive chatter. The Athletic notes that Liverpool were interested in 21‑year‑old Italy defender Marco Palestra, who later moved from Atalanta to Chelsea, but were hampered by needing to strengthen in other areas. Fabrizio Romano adds that Newcastle’s target, Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini, 22, has signed a new long‑term contract with Atalanta.

Aston Villa are reportedly in talks with Netherlands left‑back Ian Maatsen, 24, over a new contract at Villa Park, as per Football Insider. In the same vein, Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah, 27, is considering switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana, according to The Standard.

South American interest continues to surface. ESPN Brazil via Sunderland Echo reports that Colombian striker Kevin Viveros, 26, is nearing a new deal with Athletico Paranaense after attracting interest from Sunderland and Aston Villa over the summer.

All told, the day’s rumours paint a picture of clubs juggling ambitions, players weighing options, and a few contracts already sealed, keeping the transfer narrative as lively as ever.