Chelsea were linked with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo last month, but nothing happened during the January transfer window.
And it looks like it could be a very similar theme this summer in a blow for those inside Chelsea who admire the 19-year-old.
Some Blues fans will not be too disappointed if the club miss out on Mainoo, as they already have Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu who can be brought into the first team.
Nevertheless, here are three midfielders Chelsea should consider if Mainoo remains at United or moves elsewhere.
Carlos Baleba
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali love a raid on Brighton & Hove Albion. If they are ever planning to shop there again, then Carlos Baleba should be their main target.
Journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that while Chelsea like Mainoo, suitors are not convinced that the England international is going to be on the market in the summer. In terms of alternatives, then, Baleba would be ideal.
The 21-year-old has really lit up the Premier League this season and is undoubtedly one of the most effective midfielders in the division right now.
Former Brighton player Warren Aspinall even thinks Baleba is at the same level as Moises Caicedo.
“Moises Caicedo went for over £100m and Baleba is on a par with him,” he said on BBC Radio Sussex’s Albion Unlimited podcast (via BBC Sport) back in November. Baleba will not come cheap, but money has not been a problem for Chelsea’s owners.
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton is another young midfielder who has been impressing in the Premier League, though surgery on his groin has halted his progress.
Still, already an England international who was part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2024, the 21-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
Capable of passing the ball and winning it back, he has brought a lot to Crystal Palace’s midfield. As per FBref, over the past year, Wharton has been making 7.31 progressive passes and 3.11 tackles per 90, which are good numbers.
Chelsea have been linked with Wharton before, so the Blues may very well have some interest in him.
Douglas Luiz
Chelsea definitely had interest in Juventus’ Douglas Luiz last month, so that could be something worth revisiting at the end of the season.
It was reported that Chelsea wanted to sign Luiz on loan during the January transfer window, though nothing materialised in the end.
The Brazilian can play different midfield roles and has Premier League experience after his spell at Aston Villa. He could be a very good squad addition for Enzo Maresca, who may not get his hands on Mainoo despite Chelsea having him firmly on their radar.
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