Chelsea have some of the best midfield options in the Premier League, including Romeo Lavia.
The only problem is the 21-year-old has not been able to stay fit since joining Chelsea from Southampton in 2023.
When he does play, his presence is really felt. Lavia has also helped out Andrey Santos, another young midfielder at the club.
Should Chelsea sell Enzo Fernandez to buy Elliot Anderson?
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After all of his injury problems in west London, though, it looks like Chelsea are ready to sign another top midfielder.
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Chelsea ‘love’ Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson
Chelsea have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson in the past, and it appears that the two English youngsters are still on the club’s radar.
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues “love” Wharton and Anderson and would like to bring one of them in next summer.
Phillips has not heard too much about Lavia’s injury but does not think things are looking good for the Belgian.
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
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If Chelsea do pursue a deal for Anderson, for example, the 23-year-old will not come cheap.
It has been reported that interested parties could have to pay up to £120m for Anderson’s signature.
Qarabag's Cape Verdean midfielder #15 Leandro Andrado and Chelsea's Belgian midfielder #45 Romeo Lavia vie for the ball
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How Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson compare
Wharton and Anderson are not too dissimilar. They both play in similar roles, though the latter would probably be a better fit for Chelsea.
According to FBref, Anderson makes 6.46 progressive passes and 1.80 progressive carries per 90. Wharton, on the other hand, completes 5.91 and 0.99 respectively.
Simply put, Anderson appears to progress the ball better, and that is the kind of midfielder Chelsea need. When Lavia is not around to do that and Enzo Fernandez is playing further forward, the Blues often find themselves passing the ball around the back.
He is going to cost a lot of money, but if Lavia’s injury problems persist and Chelsea feel that they absolutely have to sign a new midfielder, Anderson should be near the top of their list.
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