Chelsea sold Enzo Fernández to Manchester City for £125million on transfer deadline day but have failed to bring in a direct replacement. The late swoop for Lamine Camara of Monaco collapsed, leaving Moisés Caicedo to occupy the midfield alongside 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. With Reece James also missing until around mid-January, here are five realistic options Xabi Alonso’s side could look to this winter.
1. Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
The midfielder represents Chelsea’s first-choice option at the moment as the Cherries look to shift their stance on the January market. BBC Sport have reported that Bournemouth would consider selling him if a bid worth around £100million came their way, having already rejected Chelsea’s summer offers – worth £60million initially, then £64m plus add-ons.
The 23-year-old has turned down two contract offers and has pushed for a transfer away from the south coast, and his game would complement Caicedo well in a double pivot. Bournemouth’s willingness to listen depends on their league position, however, while Scott is still recovering from a muscle injury picked up on England duty this month. The former Bristol City man, who operates as a ‘six’ under manager Marco Rose, has also attracted the interest of Liverpool, who employ his ex-coach Andoni Iraola.
2. Manu Koné (Roma)
The midfielder is the primary alternative to Scott. Chelsea pursued him late in the summer window, and a bid of approximately €60million was turned down. The 25-year-old would offer the physicality and verticality that has been lacking from Chelsea’s midfield since the sale of Fernández, while his intensity would fit well with Alonso’s high-pressing strategy, linking up with Caicedo in a midfield double act.
However, Roma are looking to demand up to €100m. Their financial fair play issues could come into play on the January transfer market, while Koné’s Champions League involvement this season could make Roma even more reluctant to sell mid-season.
3. Yasin Ayari (Brighton)
Ayari could be the most affordable of these potential midfield targets, due to his contract situation with the Seagulls. The 23-year-old Sweden international’s current agreement expires this season, but Brighton hold a 12-month extension clause. Contract talks between Ayari and Brighton have stalled, and both Chelsea and Galatasaray are monitoring the situation closely.
Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley knows Ayari well, having been Brighton’s head of scouting until November 2022 and played a part in identifying him. The Swedish international has two Premier League assists this season. However, his height may raise questions about his ability in the Premier League, as he stands at just 5ft 8in. Chelsea have a tendency to plunder Brighton for key targets, with Caicedo and Joao Pedro two of the most recent stars on that transfer trail. A repeat raid, on the back of their history, would come as little surprise.
4. Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund)
Although Dortmund are expected to keep hold of him through the winter, Chelsea were already linked with Nmecha during the early days of 2026. The 26-year-old Germany international has become a key member of the Bundesliga side since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2023. His energy and defensive qualities would complement Caicedo’s ball-winning in midfield, while his ball-carrying ability also fits Alonso’s possession-based style.
Having graduated from Manchester City’s academy, the Dortmund star already has an understanding of the physicality of the Premier League. Nevertheless, the cost and Dortmund’s reluctance to sell will prove obstacles for a January move. The German club could demand a fee between €90m and €100m this season for the midfielder. Despite the reported interest from Chelsea, a release clause of €80 million will not come into play until the summer of 2027. Liverpool, who view Nmecha as an alternative to Scott, would also be likely rivals.
5. Lamine Camara (Monaco) – Wildcard
A move to re-sign Camara would be a huge gamble, following the sour end of deadline-day business. Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign the Senegal international worth £47million before Monaco pulled out at the last minute. Monaco’s decision was reportedly linked to the complication of Folarin Balogun’s potential move to Everton – which also collapsed.
Camara has since admitted it was possible he could have left, but insists he has moved on. While the 22-year-old fits the archetype that Chelsea first scouted to replace Fernández, reports suggest he might again be open to discussion in January. Nevertheless, relationships would need to be re-established between the clubs before any new business could be done.