Reports claim Xabi Alonso is a long-time admirer of Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi and has informed the club that the Spain international is a player of interest.

Zubimendi's place in the Arsenal first-team has been thrown into doubt, given Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced him at the back of last season and the club have now signed Bruno Guimaraes in his position.

Alonso coached Zubimendi during his time at Real Sociedad B and reportedly previously described him as a player "all coaches would want", praising his intelligence, selflessness and ability to dictate play from deep.