Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel, who has made a sensational start to the 2026-27 season and attracted the attention of several European giants. The Blues have been keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, with Arsenal also said to be admiring the player.
After successful loan spells at Sparta Rotterdam and FC Utrecht, the Dutchman returned to Rotterdam and quickly became an indispensable figure at De Kuip. He has bagged five goals and four assists in seven league outings, starting every one.
His blossoming has already been formally acknowledged, with the Rotterdam-born playmaker named Eredivisie Player of the Month for August. He’s also created 19 chances, while completing 89% of his passes. That all-round profile has been key to Feyenoord, who have started the league season unbeaten in seven games.
Any would-be suitor, however, has a formidable task on his hands to pry him away from Rotterdam. Lille were rejected when they submitted a final offer of €17m with add-ons to Feyenoord to sign him in the summer. The midfielder, instead, signed an extension until the middle of 2029, considerably strengthening the negotiating position of Feyenoord.
It has been claimed the Dutch giants would want around €30m for him and they are under no pressure to sell. The Dutchman is an interesting long-term option for Chelsea in a department that currently lacks depth. It remains to be seen if this interest from scouts translates into a concrete bid before January.
Chelsea’s midfield exposed in humiliating loss to Brentford
Chelsea’s midfield shortcomings were laid bare on Friday night as Xabi Alonso’s side were thrashed 3-0 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Blues went three Premier League games without a win as Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho scored in the second half.
The possession stats were a misleadingly rosy picture for the visitors, who had 59% of the ball. Brentford registered 2.65 expected goals to Chelsea’s paltry 0.82, with the Bees converting three of their four big chances. The Blues also put in only two of their 28 crosses, a feeble accuracy rate of just 7%.
Summer signings Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco were charged with manning the engine room, but Keith Andrews’ side looked a lot more solid in the middle of the park. Alonso is currently short of options with Moises Caicedo and Reece James all unavailable. The Spanish tactician will now use the international break to re-evaluate a squad that has been far too leaky this season.