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Chelsea's failure to land a suitable Enzo Fernández replacement on Deadline Day could well push the Blues to pursue a high-profile midfield signing during the upcoming January transfer window.
The one notable shortcoming in Chelsea's otherwise impressive summer transfer activity was the inability to replace Fernández. The Argentine completed a record-matching transfer to Manchester City, a deal that played a major role in Chelsea generating a staggering $700 million (£519 million) in outgoing transfers—the highest figure in football history.
Fernández's prolonged transfer saga was only resolved on deadline day, giving Chelsea precious little time to find a replacement for their 2025–26 vice-captain. The Blues made attempts but ultimately fell short of securing midfield cover before the window closed.
Chelsea's squad looked stretched in central midfield following Deadline Day, and those concerns proved valid when Xabi Alonso's improvised midfield was undone in a 2–1 loss to Arsenal. Alonso must work with what he has for now, but bringing in a midfielder in January could become a top priority.
January reinforcements typically come at an inflated price, but Chelsea have shown no reluctance to splash the cash in the winter window—Fernández himself arrived at the club for a record fee during the January 2023 window.
With a clear gap in the squad, here are five midfielders Chelsea could target in January to fill the void left by Fernández.
Frenkie De Jong
When healthy and at his best, Frenkie de Jong ranks among the finest central midfielders on the planet. A Chelsea move for the Dutchman may seem overly bold, but it might not be as far-fetched as many assume.
De Jong hasn't featured in a single match since the 2026 World Cup after sustaining a partial MCL tear. Barcelona are said to be pushing for surgery, but the midfielder has so far declined the procedure, choosing conservative treatment instead.
If surgery becomes necessary, he could face a lengthy absence, but should the current approach prove effective and he returns earlier—Mundo Deportivo reports De Jong is targeting an October comeback—Chelsea should give serious thought to making a move.
Barcelona possess arguably the most stacked midfield in world football. Rodri's arrival at the club makes him the natural partner for Pedri, leaving De Jong without a guaranteed spot in the first XI even when fully fit. The presence of Gavi and Marc Bernal only adds to the competition for places.
The Catalan club have grown increasingly frustrated with De Jong's persistent injury issues, and given the depth of talent available, they may be willing to cash in on the Dutchman. Chelsea showed interest in De Jong back in 2022, and reviving that pursuit could be an ambitious but worthwhile option to explore.
Manu Koné
Were it not for AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, France international Manu Koné might well have joined Chelsea as Fernández's replacement on the final day of the summer window.
The Blues were reportedly eager to sign the combative midfielder, with reports suggesting an offer of around $70.2 million (£52 million) plus winger Jamie Gittens on loan was tabled to bring Koné to Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day. Ultimately, Gasperini reportedly vetoed any potential departure.
The 25-year-old Frenchman is a specialist in winning duels, acting as a midfield vacuum by recovering possession and covering vast ground in central areas while also offering underrated technical quality in possession. He is press-resistant and excels at driving the ball forward. It's easy to picture him thriving alongside Moisés Caicedo in Alonso's double-pivot, giving Chelsea's dynamic attack even greater freedom.
Koné was out of reach on Deadline Day, but revisiting his situation in four months could prove shrewd. Gasperini's position may ease if Roma has more time to identify a replacement for the French international—or it could harden further if their strong early-season form holds.
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with virtually every major Premier League club over the past two summers, with even Real Madrid mentioned as a potential destination. That speaks volumes about the level of interest surrounding him.
Wharton is among the Premier League's most progressive midfielders—a technically accomplished player who consistently looks to move the ball forward from deep. He has the full range of passing at his disposal, but perhaps more crucially, he has the confidence to resist the simple option and instead seeks to break defensive lines and pick out attackers in dangerous positions.
He would be an excellent complement to Caicedo's attributes, as his profile more closely mirrors that of Fernández. At just 22, Wharton is only beginning to tap into his full potential, and Crystal Palace may struggle to fend off interested clubs for a third consecutive summer.
Chelsea will undoubtedly face fierce competition for his signature, but making a January move for Wharton could be well worth it, regardless of the price tag.
Lamine Camara
Lamine Camara appeared all but certain to be confirmed as Fernández's replacement at Stamford Bridge for roughly two hours during the closing stages of Deadline Day, before AS Monaco pulled out of the deal to Chelsea's considerable frustration.
Monaco had accepted Chelsea's $63.7 million (£47.1 million) offer for Camara, only to reverse course at the eleventh hour when they believed they had agreed to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton. There were no real beneficiaries from the collapsed Camara deal—Balogun ultimately remained at Monaco, meaning the club failed to complete the sale they urgently needed, while Chelsea were left without a new midfielder.
Camara is an athletic midfielder equally adept at disrupting opposition attacks as he is at being a dependable presence with the ball. Just days after his failed move to Chelsea, he returned to action for Monaco and was outstanding in their win over Paris Saint-Germain, claiming 12 duels and making eight defensive interventions.
Relations between the two clubs may be tense, but Chelsea did reach personal terms with Camara, who had been set to sign a six-year contract. The Blues could look to reignite their pursuit of the 22-year-old in the winter window.
Alex Scott
Chelsea reportedly tabled an $86 million (£64 million) offer to Bournemouth for emerging talent Alex Scott even before Fernández's departure earlier in the summer.
That approach proved unsuccessful as Bournemouth refused to part with the midfielder, but the Blues could return with a significantly improved bid in January. According to several reports, Scott sits at the very top of Chelsea's midfield wishlist as they seek a Fernández successor.
Still just 23, Scott embodies the modern midfielder and leaves his mark throughout Bournemouth's entire system. He is a complete player—not only a tireless worker out of possession who handles the defensive duties, but also a quality ball-player and a genuine threat in the attacking third.
As for Bournemouth, the club only recently resisted serious interest in star winger Antoine Semenyo before eventually allowing him to join Manchester City in January. Scott could be the next player the Cherries turn into a major profit in the winter window.
Like Wharton, Scott has no shortage of admirers across England, and his transfer will not come at a bargain price. It would likely require Chelsea to make him the next £100 million Premier League signing, but investing heavily in a player with world-class potential would be a sound decision.