Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign the highly-rated Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window with the Argentina international making the move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in a £106.8 million deal.
Fernandez’s stellar performances for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar last year where the midfielder played all seven games for his country who were eventually crowned as the champions did not go unnoticed with Chelsea forking out a big money fee to land his signature.
He has adapted well to life in west London despite Chelsea’s struggles under Graham Potter and talk has gained ground that the club’s ownership, led by the American businessman Todd Boehly, could dip into the market sooner than expected to sign another new face for the engine room.
With uncertainty cast over the future of playmaker Mason Mount, whose talks with Chelsea over a new deal have hit a roadblock ahead of this coming summer, and the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Denis Zakaria deemed surplus to requirements, Fernandez could be getting a new midfield partner before the next season gets underway.
Here are 5 midfield names we reckon could be on Chelsea’s shopping list for the summer transfer window –
1. Alexis Mac Allister
Fernandez’s Argentine teammate, Mac Allister, was another crucial performer for Lionel Scaloni’s side in Qatar and the Brighton maestro could be on the move when the transfer window reopens for business later this year.
Brighton were firm on not parting ways with the in-demand midfielder who had Chelsea and Manchester United chasing his signature in the January window but the south coast outfit could be forced into a sale should the suitors table a sizable bid.
2. Ibrahima Sangare
The PSV talent has some of the biggest Premier League clubs courting him ahead of the summer window and Chelsea could be seen fending off competition from Arsenal and Spurs to sign the Ivorian midfielder.
Sangare’s representatives have been in contact with a number of clubs across England to alert them of his potential availability at the end of the season and the Blues would be hoping to strike a deal before it is too late.
3. Edson Alvarez
The Mexican international was on Chelsea’s radar last summer and there had been speculation that the Blues were keen to move in for him at the turn of the year.
Alvarez still remains an Ajax player but that could change this summer with Graham Potter’s side prepared to revive their long-standing interest in the defensive midfielder.
4. Jude Bellingham
Signing perhaps the most coveted name in the transfer market – Jude Bellingham – will be an uphill task for Chelsea with the Borussia Dortmund star wanted by the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The 19-year-old midfielder is sure to come for a big price tag, one which could also surpass the fee Chelsea paid to sign Enzo Fernandez, as Dortmund remain hopeful that Bellingham will stay at the club for another year.
5. Andreas Pereira
A surprise name to have been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks has been the former Manchester United man Andreas Pereira who has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign for Chelsea’s local rivals Fulham.
Pereira could be available on the cheap for his suitors, which also includes Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, as Fulham value the Brazilian playmaker between £25 million and £35 million.
