Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates
Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates
Chelsea’s January plans are beginning to take shape, with midfield and defensive reinforcements at the top of Xabi Alonso’s list.
The Blues returned from the international break with a thumping 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday, but that said, one victory is unlikely to change the club’s thinking ahead of the winter window.
Chelsea's Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates
Chelsea's Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates
Chelsea have continued to be linked with Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, a player Alonso is believed to admire because of his ability to operate at right back or in central defence.
However, Kounde wants to fight for his place in Spain and Hansi Flick is not currently pushing him towards the exit.
Florian Wirtz has also been mentioned as a possible future target if his difficult spell at Liverpool continues.
Florian-Wirtz-Liverpool
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
His previous success under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen makes that an obvious link, although a January deal appears highly unlikely.
The more immediate need remains in central midfield, as Chelsea sold Enzo Fernández to Man City during the summer and were unable to complete a late move for Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
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|Chelsea's midfielders compared|
|Player|Main position|Apps|Starts|Goals|Assists|Goal contributions|Minutes|
|---|
|Cole Palmer|Attacking midfield|8|7|4|3|7|666|
|Morgan Rogers|Attacking midfield|8|7|4|4|8|636|
|Romeo Lavia|Defensive midfield|6|4|1|0|1|303|
|Valentín Barco|Central midfield|5|3|1|1|2|295|
|Jordan Henderson|Central midfield|2|2|2|1|3|180|
|Moisés Caicedo|Defensive midfield|2|1|0|0|0|86|
|Reggie Watson|Central midfield|1|1|0|0|0|45|
|Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli|Central midfield|1|0|0|0|0|3|
That has left Moisés Caicedo carrying plenty of responsibility, while Jordan Henderson offers valuable experience but cannot be viewed as the long-term answer.
jordan-henderson-england-world-cup
Chelsea therefore need another midfielder who can progress the ball, cope with pressure and cover several roles, which puts Alex Scott firmly back in the conversation.
Chelsea remain in £100m Alex Scott race after major January transfer change
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Bournemouth may now consider a January sale if a major offer arrives, having refused to discuss his departure during the summer.
This follows a key meeting between agents, with Chelsea still eyeing a move for the Englishman.
The Blues made more than one offer worth over £60 million during the summer, but the Cherries refused to open the door. Scott’s contract runs until 2028 and attempts to agree an extension haven't produced a breakthrough.
That gives Bournemouth a decision to make, although their reported conditions mean a deal will still be extremely difficult.
Given the south coast club want more than £100m and may only approve a sale if their Premier League position looks secure, that's one big roadblock, and Scott is also currently recovering from a quad injury he suffered while playing for England, with the Cherries maestro expected to miss several weeks.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
The 23-year-old is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas, can carry possession through midfield and already understands the speed of the Premier League.
His age also fits the club's traditional recruitment model, while his ability to play as an eight or in a deeper position would give Alonso a really solid option.
Liverpool’s involvement could create a genuine battle, particularly because Andoni Iraola previously worked with Scott at Bournemouth, but Chelsea have already shown how strongly they rate him.
The price remains the biggest obstacle, and if Bournemouth refuse to compromise, Chelsea must decide whether Scott is worth another enormous investment or whether reviving their interest in Camara would offer better value.