REUTERS/Yves Herman
Chelsea and Real Madrid have entered contention to sign an attacking midfielder, who has caught the eye in the Champions League this season.
Chelsea targeting new playmaker after Brentford defeat
The Xabi Alonso era started off strong, but the Blues have now taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches, and despite dominating possession, their performance in the 3-0 defeat at Brentford was perhaps the most concerning so far this season.
Match statistics Chelsea Brentford
Shots 12 13
Shots on target 2 6
Final third entries 54 54
Possession 60% 40%
Distance covered 116.7km 112.3km
The Blues created just one big chance throughout the entire match at the Gtech Community Stadium, with a lack of creativity in the final third proving to be a real issue as of late.
BBC journalist Sam Drury was particularly critical of the performance from an attacking point of view, saying: "For all they had Brentford penned in at 1-0, they struggled to create anything that could be considered a clear opportunity until the game was already lost while their frailties at the back resurfaced."
Of course, Alonso will be expecting Cole Palmer to start delivering again soon, with the Englishman picking up 58 goals and 34 assists in 138 matches since joining from Manchester City, but the west Londoners have now entered the race for a new attacking midfielder.
Chelsea join the race to sign Mezian Mesloub
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have now entered contention to sign Lens starlet Mezian Mesloub, with the 16-year-old also attracting interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal.
The Blues could make a move for the teenager in 2027, although he would be unable to officially join until 2028, as he does not turn 18 until late next year, which could be a potential obstacle.
The Portugal-born youngster has already established himself in the Lens first team, making three appearances in Ligue 1 this season, and he even managed to grab an assist in the 3-2 Champions League victory against Slavia Prague, in what was his first-ever appearance in the competition.
Scout Jacek Kulig has also spoken very fondly of the youngster, and suggested he could have what it takes to reach the very top.
That said, Chelsea have started to change their policy of signing younger players, bringing in the likes of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck during the summer transfer window, so it remains to be seen whether they will be prepared to make a move for Mesloub.