Chelsea have been given serious encouragement in the race for a very highly-rated midfielder as he rejects Real Madrid and makes his transfer stance crystal clear.
Chelsea tipped to sign new midfielder in 2026
As per a recent report from The Telegraph and Matt Law, a new midfielder is definitely on the agenda next year at Chelsea.
The Blues will definitely sign at least one new man for the engine room in 2026, according to Law, and potentially splash massive cash doing it.
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Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández have been run into the ground this season, both clocking over 1,500 minutes in total already, while the likes of Roméo Lavia and Dario Essugo are currently enduring an injury nightmare.
Fernandez in particular has featured more than any other Chelsea player, and something's got to give.
Enter two big-money Premier League targets who could transform the engine room. Kobbie Mainoo could be a target once again, with the Man United academy graduate likely to cost around £45 million if Chelsea get serious about their interest in the player.
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He's very highly rated.
Then there's Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton, who could now cost £100 million after the Eagles snapped him up from Blackburn before Chelsea could make their move.
That ship sailed, but The Telegraph suggests he's still on BlueCo's radar for next year.
Chelsea could go another route entirely by signing another emerging talent, with AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit attracting their interest.
AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit
Reliable journalist Mark Douglas reported for inews last week that Chelsea have held recent talks with Smit's camp and are among the frontrunners to sign the Dutchman.
The 19-year-old has marked himself out as one of the Eredivisie's brightest talents, with Enzo Maresca's side now given a major boost in their pursuit of Smit.
Chelsea given Kees Smit transfer boost as he rejects Real Madrid
According to reports from Spain, Smit has now rejected Real Madrid's advances in favour of a Premier League move, with Chelsea now handed a clear advantage.
Kees Smit for AZ Alkmaar
The Dutch sensation has become one of Europe's hottest prospects this season after establishing himself as a key player for AZ, in both domestic and Conference League action.
His performances have drawn comparisons to Barcelona's Pedri, with Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman praising the teenager's tactical intelligence and game-reading ability.
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Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs tracking Smit's progress, with Newcastle also keen on him according to recent reports.
Maresca's interest has now been strengthened by the player's clear preference for English football over other European destinations, including Real.
Smit's decision to prioritise the Premier League stems from his desire to develop in what he considers the most competitive and physically demanding league in world football.
The youngster apparently believes the intensity and weekly exposure to world-class opposition will accelerate his growth at this crucial stage of his career.
Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has been effusive in his praise of Smit, calling him a 'fantastic' and 'underrated' midfielder who is the 'future of AZ and Dutch football'.
AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit in action with Levski Sofia's Kristian Dimitrov
Only two AZ teammates have played more Eredivisie minutes than Smit so far this season, with the talent now an ever-present in their starting eleven despite his tender age.
He's also drawn comparisons to Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne, leaving little wonder many are getting excited by him.
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