Chelsea earned a draw against Manchester City courtesy of a late equaliser from Enzo Fernandez on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues arrived at The Etihad with Under-21s head coach Calum MacFarlane in charge, but the visitors fell behind before the break when Tijjani Reijnders found the back of the net.
City looked to be heading for an important victory until the fourth minute of added-time, when Enzo Fernandez tapped home at the third time of asking having scuffed his first effort and seen his second shot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Argentine’s goal sparked wild celebrations in the away end at The Etihad, with managerless Chelsea remaining fifth in the top flight standings and firmly in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Now, with the January transfer window ongoing, it has emerged that Chelsea are pondering a shock move to sign a midfielder from a Premier League rival.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea have identified Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as a possible transfer target.
The report claims that the Club World Cup holders are on the hunt for a proven Premier League midfielder and hold a ‘firm interest’ in the Italy international.
Tonali has emerged as a target for Chelsea (Photo: Every Second Media/Alamy)
Tonali, 25, joined the Magpies from AC Milan back in the summer of 2023 but was banned for ten months in October of the same year for breaches of betting rules while playing in his homeland.
Since his return to action in August 2024, Tonali has established himself once again as a key player for Newcastle, as well as emerging as one of the most impressive central midfielders in the Premier League.
In total he has now made 84 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing the same number of assists.
It is claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing the Italian midfielder this summer, rather than attempting to land the player this month.
Tonali’s current contract with the Magpies is set to run until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.