It may be time for Chelsea to accept there is no future for Romeo Lavia at Chelsea due to his lack of availability.
Enzo Maresca has tried to copy the Reece James method of easing the Belgian into action, however his injury against Qarabag brings up nearly 250 days of absence.
Chelsea have been linked to a new midfielder in 2026 to provide competition and cover for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. The duo are having to play far too much at the moment.
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
Credit: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport/Catherine Ivill – AMA via Getty Images
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A number of names have been mentioned as potential targets, with the Blues targeting Premier League players to avoid as much of a transition period.
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Chelsea holding internal talks over signing James McAtee
Last January, the Blues were considering a late move for James McAtee from Manchester City at the time, however nothing materialised.
Since then, he has moved to Nottingham Forest, although has only appeared in six Premier League games so far this season.
This has seen Chelsea return with interest in signing the midfielder. Simon Phillips has reported that they have held fresh talks over signing McAtee in 2026.
He said on his Substack: “SPTC Sources understand Chelsea have held fresh internal conversations around interest and a potential move for James McAtee of Nottingham Forest.
“Chelsea held previous strong interest in the midfielder when he was at Manchester City right before he made his move to Forest.
“McAtee hasn’t been playing as much as he would like to be playing at Forest, and there is a potential opportunity there.
“Chelsea have always admired the 23-year-old, which is obviously driven by Joe Shields having previously worked with McAtee.”
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
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Chelsea have plenty of midfield transfer options
With the Blues looking to add a genuine starting option to their midfield ranks, there are a number of names they are considering when it comes to a new signing.
McAtee’s club teammate, Elliot Anderson, has been linked with a move, as well as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
When it comes to more opportunistic signings, Kobbie Mainoo is the name that springs to mind after he has clearly fallen out of favour at Manchester United.
The Blues have already done this with Alejandro Garnacho over the summer, and could look to do the same when the transfer window opens again in January.
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