Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez during the warm up before the match
Chelsea are expected to make a January move for Atletico Madrid star Pablo Barrios, as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez completed a £125m move to Manchester City on deadline day, becoming the joint-most expensive signing in Premier League history, alongside Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for the same fee last summer.
Ranking Premier League record signings Transfer fee
1. Enzo Fernandez £125m
1. Alexander Isak £125m
3. Bradley Barcola £123m
4. Morgan Rogers £117m
5. Florian Wirtz £116m
5. Elliot Anderson £116m
7. Enzo Fernandez £106m
8. Declan Rice £105m
8. Moises Caicedo £105m
10. Jack Grealish £100m
10. Sandro Tonali £100m
The Blues allowed the deal to go through, despite their move for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara breaking down, as they had already given their word to Fernandez.
However, the decision leaves Xabi Alonso somewhat short in the middle of the park, considering Romeo Lavia has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, while Jordan Henderson is 36-years-old, which means his game time may be limited.
As such, Alonso may enter the market for a new midfielder this winter, and Barrios could be an exciting option, with scout Jacek Kulig praising the 23-year-old's performances for Atletico Madrid this season.
Although he is still young, the Spaniard has already made 143 senior appearances for Atletico, and he is averaging 64.0 accurate passes per 90 in La Liga this season. In comparison, Reece James' average of 38.6 is the Blues' highest in the Premier League.
The Madrid-born midfielder may not be a like-for-like Fernandez heir, as he has scored a total of just seven goals for Atletico, whereas the Argentinian scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Blues last season alone.
However, the La Liga star's displays this season suggest he could be taking his game to the next level, and at 23 he still has a lot of time to improve in that area.
Chelsea eyeing January move for Pablo Barrios
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella in action with Atletico Madrid's Pablo Barrios
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now set to make a January move for Barrios, who has a €100m (£86m) release clause included in his Atletico contract.
The four-cap Spain international is being targeted as an alternative to Camara, after a late deal for the 22-year-old broke down, with Monaco's behaviour leaving the Blues furious.
It is 'highly likely' Alonso will look to bring in another midfielder this January, but until then he will have to make do with Caicedo, Henderson and Lavia, while new arrival Valentin Barco is also capable of playing in central midfield or at left-back.