Chelsea are reportedly big fans of Elliot Anderson after his excellent last 12 months in midfield for both Nottingham Forest and England.
Anderson has impressed Enzo Maresca with the fact that he can play multiple positions in the midfield, something that would be crucial if joining Chelsea.
The profiles of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are very different, and having a player who can feature in either position would certainly be on the list of necessities before signing a new midfielder.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia preparing a pass and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo jogging
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Jamie Carragher even picked Anderson over Caicedo in his Team of the Season, giving an indication over just how good he has been this season.
Fulham v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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Enzo Maresca uncertainty could see Elliot Anderson reject Chelsea
There may be a problem when it comes to convincing the former Newcastle man to move to Stamford Bridge though, with it stemming back to the uncertainty over Maresca’s job.
David Ornstein has claimed that Anderson will want to join a side that have certainty over the managerial position, something which Chelsea cannot offer at this stage.
He told NBC Sports Soccer: “The likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, plenty of others will be in the frame as well.
“A lot will depend on managers, with some uncertainty over the bosses at the clubs that I’ve mentioned so far. A player like Anderson will want a bit of certainty around that, so that makes the next six months crucial. It’s going to be a big one for the summer.”
Maresca could be approached by Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves this summer, with him also at odds with some members of the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca managing Chelsea vs Cardiff
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Chelsea considering unpopular move to sign Anderson
Reports have claimed that Chelsea are weighing up selling Fernandez in order to free up space for Anderson to feature for the Blues.
Should Chelsea sell Enzo Fernandez to buy Elliot Anderson?
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The World Cup winner has been a near ever-present for the Blues since Maresca took over, and would likely be another move that would infuriate the manager.
There is certainly quality that is worth looking at in Anderson though, and he is set to play a key role for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
These are the kind of statement signings Chelsea traditionally loved to make, however would not necessarily fit in with their last 12 months of spending.
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