Chelsea prioritised the signing of a new central defender during the January transfer window.
In the end, Liam Rosenior failed to acquire one and could only recall Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg.
However, while the Blues’ priority last month was a centre-back, they also looked at bringing in a midfielder.
January transfer window review 👀
How did Chelsea do?👇
Chelsea's January transfer window
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Chelsea were interested in Douglas Luiz before his move to Aston Villa and have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson ahead of the summer. There is another midfielder they should be considering, though.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United is under pressure from Marc Cucurella of Chelsea
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Chelsea should prioritise a move for Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali could be on the lookout for a new club in the summer after it was reported by The Athletic that the player’s agent offered him to Arsenal on deadline day.
If the 25-year-old really is eyeing a move away from St James’ Park, Chelsea should be all over him.
Again, it is widely known that the Club World Cup winners are in the market for a midfielder, which seems necessary after all the injury problems that Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo have suffered. In terms of options, Chelsea will struggle to find someone better than Tonali.
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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The Italian could probably add more goals to his game, but he is pretty much an all-round midfielder. Tonali is a very technical footballer but can also be a combative figure in the middle of the park.
The former AC Milan man, who cost Newcastle £55m, has also been playing in the Premier League for a few seasons now, an added bonus for Chelsea or any other English club who register an interest in signing him this summer.
Juventus reportedly view themselves as strong favourites to sign Tonali, but if the Italy international wants to stay in England and is keen on leaving Newcastle, perhaps Chelsea could be a viable option for him.
Bruno Guimaraes (l) and Sandro Tonali react during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club
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Sandro Tonali’s stats this season
As already highlighted, Tonali’s lack of goals is probably the only thing holding him back from reaching the next level.
The Newcastle player is yet to score in 35 appearances this term. He has at least managed to rack up five assists to help compensate for that, but some of his midfield rivals have been very clutch in front of goal in the current campaign.
Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have all come up with some big goals, with the last of that trio scoring his side’s winner against West Ham United last Saturday. For now, they are probably just a level above Tonali.
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