Chelsea have made central midfield a priority for next summer due to the constant injury issues of Romeo Lavia according to The Athletic.
The Blues added reinforcements in the summer with Andrey Santos returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg, whilst Dario Essugo arrived from Sporting Lisbon.
Chelsea have some of the best midfield depth in the league, but have been unable to call upon it, with Essugo and Lavia both injured for the majority of the first half of the season.
Central midfield a priority in 2026 after Lavia injury issues
The Blues aren’t expected to be active in January, despite being linked with a number of midfielders including Dutch youngster Kees Smit.
It’s been reported Chelsea are looking to sign a midfielder next summer, and The Athletic have reported the Blues have made that position a priority due to Lavia’s injury issues.
Romeo Lavia in action for Chelsea.
Lavia has once again struggled with injury this season. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Lavia has made just 30 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Southampton in the summer of 2023, and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club.
The Belgian has a lot of talent, and has shown his importance to the team when he’s featured, but that’s not been often enough.
Lavia is currently sidelined after picking up an injury against Qarabag in the Champions League last month, and Enzo Maresca is unsure when the 21-year-old will return to action.
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Filip Jorgensen in action for Chelsea.
Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Enzo Maresca on the touchline against Leeds.
Chelsea reportedly want to ease the burden on the duo, but it’s unclear if they want to add more depth or if one of the current midfielders will leave next summer.
Lavia would obviously be a prime candidate due to his injury issues, but the Blues potentially cashing in on Andrey Santos also can’t be fully ruled out.