REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
Chelsea are planning to make a winter move for a midfielder, after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez at the end of the summer transfer window.
John Obi Mikel has suggested Fernandez's departure is the reason the Blues have been struggling over the past few weeks, saying: "That is one position that the club has failed to strengthen during the transfer window. We failed.
"We knew Enzo Fernandez wanted to leave the football club. We knew for so long he wanted to go. Yes, we got £125million sitting in the bank, but we failed to bring in another player and that’s why we are suffering right now.
REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
"We talk about leaking goals. Yes, we can blame the defence, but you need at least two holding players to be able to shield and protect the back-four in that system. You need that because you’re going to be exposed."
The Argentina international may also prove to be a big loss from an attacking point of view, given that he was regularly on the scoresheet last season, picking up ten goals and four assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
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Enzo Fernandez's Premier League stats Number in 2025-26
Appearances 36
Minutes 3,115
Key passes 63
Chances created 68
Shots 72
Shots on target 31
However, having banked £125m from selling the 25-year-old, Xabi Alonso should have ample funds to bring in a replacement in the January transfer window, and the west Londoners have started planning a move for a Premier League midfielder.
Chelsea planning move for Alex Scott
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea fully intend to make a move for AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott in the January transfer window, with the Cherries expected to hold out for around £77m.
A source added: "Chelsea have been discussing a few options. Wijnaldum’s name came up, but the unanimous feeling at board level was to wait to see what possibilities will be there in January, with Scott and Wharton the preferred targets."
The Blues have been internally discussing the possibility of signing the English midfielder, but there is a feeling Bournemouth will make them wait until next summer, at which point his contract will have just one year until expiry.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for Marco Rose's side this season, picking up one goal and one assist in five Premier League matches, and an average of 12.2 defensive contributions per 90 is the highest number in the Bournemouth squad.
Journalist James Lewer was also left very impressed by the central midfielder's performances last season, and suggested he should have been chosen in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad alongside fellow target Adam Wharton.
Crystal Palace's Jorgen Strand Larsen celebrates scoring their third goal with Chris Richards, Yeremy Pino and Tyrick Mitchell-1
Crystal Palace's Jorgen Strand Larsen celebrates scoring their third goal with Chris Richards, Yeremy Pino and Tyrick Mitchell-1