Chelsea Target Key Position as January Transfer Window Looms
Chelsea are expected to acquire "at least one new midfielder in 2026" as they look to bolster depth in central positions, though any moves are unlikely to happen before the summer transfer period.
The Blues arguably possess one of the Premier League's finest midfield partnerships, with Moisés Caicedo cementing his status among the world's elite defensive midfielders while partnering effectively with Enzo Fernández in the attacking midfield role.
The challenges stem from Chelsea's extensive fixture list across various competitions and insufficient backup options behind their first-choice duo. Only the tireless Marc Cucurella has logged more playing time this season than Fernández, with Caicedo also featuring prominently in terms of minutes played.
With Dário Essugo sidelined all season following September thigh surgery and Roméo Lavia experiencing another injury setback that has kept him out since early November, after already missing the campaign's opening, Enzo Maresca has been working with restricted options.
Andrey Santos remains the sole other genuine central midfielder in the senior squad, with right-back Reece James regularly deputizing in midfield recently. Fellow defender Malo Gusto has similarly filled in when needed.
Per The Telegraph, Chelsea have pinpointed midfield as a "priority area for improvement." Preliminary work on potential signings is underway, though the plan involves waiting until summer. January recruitment would only occur if mounting injuries necessitate earlier intervention.
Chelsea Options to Strengthen in Midfield
A significant question remains regarding Chelsea's willingness to invest heavily in a midfielder intended primarily as cover for Caicedo and Fernández.
This duo represents two of English football's four most expensive signings ever, costing nearly £222 million ($296.5 million) combined in 2023. Logic suggests Chelsea wouldn't pursue players like Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba, regarded as the Premier League's top three emerging midfield prospects but valued around £100 million each.
Spending nine figures, assuming financial feasibility, on a rotation player seems an inefficient allocation of resources. These three targets might also hesitate about joining Stamford Bridge if it means significantly reduced playing time, particularly with other clubs showing interest.
Chelsea might be wiser investing approximately £20–40 million. This price range could encompass Atalanta's Éderson, whose agent has promoted him to Barcelona while also being linked with Manchester United. The Brazilian has drawn comparisons to 21st century icon Gennaro Gattuso and possesses qualities suited to Premier League football.
Fascinatingly, what about Conor Gallagher? The academy product was permitted to join Atlético Madrid in 2024, a move Maresca suggested was motivated by the disproportionate advantages of selling homegrown talent under Premier League financial regulations.
"Clubs are forced to sell players due to these regulations. It's not specifically a Chelsea issue, but a Premier League-wide problem," Maresca commented then.
"Chelsea's preference isn't to sell—but ultimately the rules compel us. I admire that [Francesco] Totti spent 20 years at Roma as a one-club player. Personally, I think it's unfortunate because we all appreciate seeing one-club legends. If we genuinely want to develop academy graduates—then the rules need changing."
New Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations will supersede PSR from next season.
Gallagher hasn't been a consistent starter at Atlético this campaign, typically entering as a substitute, and has been strongly linked with an English return. Manchester United are reportedly keen on the England international, whose transfer fee could be lower than Chelsea's selling price 18 months prior.
The 25-year-old has Premier League experience and frequently wore the captain's armband during his final Blues season.