Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Just because the transfer window has closed does not mean Chelsea’s pursuit of a midfielder has stopped, with the January window only a few months away. Alex Scott and Lamine Camara are targets.
Chelsea came within an inch of signing Senegal international Camara from Monaco for £47m in the final hours of the window. We all know now that Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro pulled the plug.
That has left his position as sporting director in massive doubt. Meanwhile, Chelsea are down a midfielder and are still without the injured duo Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson ahead of facing Leeds United.
But even when they return, Chelsea will still lack the attacking qualities of Enzo Fernandez from deep, and the Blues want a replacement. Alex Scott and Lamine Camara remain targets ahead of January.
READ MORE: What Xabi Alonso said about Renato Sanches in 2016 amid a possible signing
Alex Scott’s stance on Chelsea move despite celebration
Recently, England star Scott scored for Bournemouth and celebrated by pretending to pick up the phone, and then putting it down quickly. But according to TeamTalk, Scott is keen to make a move to Chelsea.
AFC Bournemouth Training Session
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He is yet to sign a new Bournemouth deal, and according to the report, Scott wants to join a club that harbours European ambition. A move to London and to Chelsea specifically is said to appeal to Scott.
Alex Scott or Lamine Camara? Chelsea choose their priority target
It is unclear which player Chelsea could go after come January. Camara was the priority in the final days of the window, but only because Scott was unavailable. TeamTalk says Chelsea are willing to pay a premium.
Liverpool FC v AS Monaco - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Indeed, the Blues are ready to meet Bournemouth’s asking price ahead of January. Chelsea are said to be keen on signing a Premier League-ready player, and Scott fits the bill. They have had a £64m bid rejected.
Which player is more like Fernandez? Which suits Chelsea best?
Interestingly, Chelsea will probably prefer a more defensive option than Fernandez. The 3-4-2-1 system requires defensive players in the double pivot, allowing the front three to provide the attacking threat.
Alex Scott question graphic
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Fernandez would be too attacking in this system, allowing too many holes in midfield. Henderson, Barco, Caicedo and Lavia all suit it better, and Camara would too. But Scott is more similar to Fernandez.
Perhaps, if a balance can be reached between Fernandez and the defensive option Chelsea require, then that is the perfect signing. Scott feels more likely to be able to do both sides of it, than Camara.