Following a breakout performance at the latest Africa Cup of Nations, Chelsea have been compelled to make a move for a versatile rising star.
Chelsea eyeing recruits as injuries mount
Given the injuries that have plagued their backline this season, Chelsea have long been focused on recruiting a defender ahead of the transfer deadline. Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury in August, whilst Tosin Adarabioyo has also struggled with fitness issues across the campaign.
Despite reports, however, Liam Rosenior refused to be drawn into any speculation, saying, as per football.london when asked about recent links.
"You'll know about me, I don't speak about players at other clubs until something is agreed with any player.
"I think it's so disrespectful. If I was a manager of another team and a manager was speaking about my player, I wouldn't be a happy person.
"So whether it's true or whether it's not, I'll speak about that at the right time."
Drafted in from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, Rosenior has won three of his opening four matches with Chelsea.
With less than two weeks until the transfer window slams shut, it would seem that Chelsea, whilst still keen on reinforcing their centre-back options, are also hoping to add further depth to their midfield ranks.
Chelsea submit offer for Inao Oulai
Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea for over £100 million back in 2023, could reportedly be allowed to depart the club in the right circumstances. Rosenior has said that the speculation "means nothing," but were Chelsea to lose the Argentine, then they would be light on reliable midfield options.
Reece James, though brilliant when inverting, is a natural full-back. Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia, each promising talents, have not been consistently fit this season and as such, they would need further depth for Moises Caicedo.
Enzo Fernandez Related
[Fernandez upgrade: Chelsea preparing approach to sign £108m "superstar"](https://www.footballfancast.com/fernandez-upgrade-chelsea-preparing-approach-to-sign-neves/ "Fernandez upgrade: Chelsea preparing approach to sign £108m "superstar"")
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up this "superstar" as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
According to Africafoot, Chelsea have made an offer of almost £35 million to Trabzonspor for midfielder Christ Inao Oulai. Moving to Turkiye from Bastia in the summer of 2025, the teenager earned his first call-up to the Ivory Coast national team later that year. Then selected as part of their AFCON team, Inao Oulai played 20 minutes across his country's first two group games.
Christ Inao Oulai in action for the Ivory Coast
Starting the final game of Group F against Gabon, Inao Oulai was then undroppable for his country on their run to the quarter-finals following a man-of-the-match display. Described as a "revelation," Inao Oulai proved to be a breath of fresh air for his nation amidst aging midfield options.
Inao Oulai's form at AFCON has attracted the attention of several clubs. Trabzonspor, who are demanding around £43 million for their talented midfielder, deemed Galatasaray's bid of £17 million as "insufficient." Chelsea are much closer to the mark, though it would appear that a deal is yet to be formally agreed.
Manchester City were showing interest in Inao Oulai in late 2025, but nothing has materalised since.
Still just 19 years old, the Ivorian fits the mould of players that, since taking over the club, owners BlueCo have looked to recruit. A stellar tackler who is comfortable advancing with the ball, Inao Oulai is being tracked by several teams, but could well find the allure of Chelsea too hard to ignore.