Chelsea have some decisions to make as Aston Villa makes things difficult when it comes to signing Douglas Luiz in this window.
The Blues are on the hunt for a central midfielder before the deadline, but Douglas Luiz is the only name that has been mentioned to this point.
Chelsea currently have Enzo Fernandez, Reece James, Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo as their only options. Injuries to Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo certainly haven’t helped.
Chelsea fans, who would you have recalled?
Let us know who and why! 🇦🇷 🇸🇳
Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Strasbourg's Mamadou Sarr
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A centre-back is also on Chelsea’s radar. It was thought that Jeremy Jacquet could be on his way to Stamford Bridge, but now the club have recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea supporters will be hoping that all of this interest in potential new signings isn’t a smokescreen, with loan players returning instead.
Douglas Luiz enters talks with Aston Villa
Douglas Luiz was believed to be open to joining Chelsea, but Aston Villa are doing their best to make sure he comes back to Villa Park.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa back in active talks for Douglas Luiz after an initial approach last week.
Negotiations are ongoing with Juventus, while Chelsea are also exploring different options in midfield.
Aston Villa are working on Douglas Luiz return as a priority, with 2 more options on the list.
DECISION TIME: If Liam Rosenior gets to pick one midfielder signing this month, who should it be?💰
Have we missed anyone…
Chelsea midfielder targets
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Chelsea should turn to different options
Douglas Luiz is impressive, but he’s shown no signs of being the same player that lit up the Premier League during his Aston Villa days.
Someone like Ruben Neves would be a far better option. While he would cost around £15 million, opposed to a temporary loan for Luiz, he is a much more well-rounded midfielder.
He’s scored eight goals and assisted six this season from the middle of midfield, displaying his ability to contribute in the final third. As Chelsea fans will know, his array of passes and tireless work rate is perfect for Liam Rosenior’s team and he’s already proven in the Premier League.
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