Chelsea are targeting a deal to sign Marc Bernal from Barcelona, despite Xabi Alonso’s preference for Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi.Chelsea explored a deal for Zubimendi late in the summer transfer window, with the Spaniard well-known to Alonso from their respective time at Real Sociedad. Zubimendi has struggled for minutes at Arsenal this season after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and Chelsea are watching his situation. This week, the midfielder said he expects to remain at Arsenal despite failing to start a Premier League game this season. He had been linked with Atletico Madrid.El Nacional are reporting that the Chelsea decision-makers want a longer-term signing. There are reservations over Zubimendi’s age (27) when compared to other targets. Bernal is the preferred choice of the board, though Barcelona do not want to sell the 19-year-old. Bernal has started just four La Liga games this season and admitted the arrival of Rodri has made first-team minutes more difficult to attain.“In the end, I think when you sign a Ballon d’Or winner, it’s harder to break into the team and play because, for me, you have the best player in the world in that position,” he said.“Now it’s my turn to play because of his injury, and I’m happy with how the manager has handled it.“When I found out [about Rodri signing], I knew and was aware of the club I’m at. At Barça, the competition is what it is, and it’s healthy because we compete for everything.“When it became official, the manager, Deco, and the board all reassured me because the season is very long and there are minutes for everyone. I’m 19 years old, and the season is very long.”Read – The Premier League teams with the most points after 10 gamesSee Also – Five of the best Premier League away kits in 2026/27Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Chelsea want Marc Bernal despite Alonso’s preference for Arsenal midfielder appeared first on The Football Faithful.