Chelsea have recently been linked with Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Last month, it was reported that Chelsea and Manchester City are both interested in Anderson and are set to go head-to-head for his signature.
The Blues already have Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, but it may prove too difficult to turn down the opportunity to sign a talent like Anderson.
However, the 22-year-old will not come cheap, while Chelsea also have to be wary of interest from another one of their Premier League rivals.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Malo Gusto of Chelsea
Photo by Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Nottingham Forest could demand up to £120m for Elliot Anderson
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are also keen on Anderson but Forest are demanding up to £120m for their midfielder.
It would be a surprise if Chelsea paid that, with Enzo Maresca possessing both Caicedo and Fernandez. The Club World Cup winners would be spending £100m on a player they could not even guarantee starts.
At some point, though, Chelsea may feel that they have to dip into the transfer market.
Once again, Romeo Lavia has picked up an injury, which is expected to keep the Belgian out for a month. Dario Essugo has been sidelined as well, so Maresca does not have much cover for his two South American midfielders right now.
Buying a £100m player to be a back-up option to Caicedo and Fernandez, though, may not be the wisest way for Chelsea to spend their money.
Moises Caicedo celebrates with Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez after scoring against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
How Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez compare
Albeit a very expensive one, Anderson would be a great alternative to Fernandez at Stamford Bridge. However, on the ball, the Argentine is probably a level above him at present.
For example, Fernandez makes more progressive passes per 90 minutes than the Forest star and also receives more progressive passes on average. As a matter of fact, there are few midfielders in the Premier League who are actually on the World Cup winner’s level.
Player Shot-creating actions Progressive passes Progressive carries Touches in attacking penalty area Progressive passes received
Elliot Anderson 3.32 6.19 1.74 2.28 2.57
Enzo Fernandez 4.35 7.23 1.89 2.82 4.35
Via Elliot Anderson’s FBref and Enzo Fernandez’s FBref pages. All stats per 90.
All in all, Anderson is a good player, but it is just hard to imagine Chelsea forking out so much money on him when they have Fernandez.