The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Chelsea are considering signing a new central midfielder at the end of the season.
The Blues continue to struggle with injury problems across the pitch, however Romeo Lavia found himself hobbling off after just eight minutes of the Champions League game against Qarabag.
Lavia’s injury record is terrible, and he is still yet to complete 90 minutes since his move to Stamford Bridge two and a half years ago.
Chelsea fans are threatening to give up on Lavia, with availability something both Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca haven’t been able to rely on.
Chelsea tipped to sign new midfielder after Romeo Lavia’s latest injury
While the Belgian’s latest injury is not the reason behind it, Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that he expects the Blues to sign a new midfielder at the end of the season.
The transfer insider mentioned Adam Wharton as a possible target, with Chelsea previously interested in signing him before Lavia joined the club.
He said: “In terms of Lavia, Chelsea think he’s great. They love him a lot. Obviously, he’s not being very fortunate with injuries at the minute. They think he is potentially properly able to compete with Caicedo and Fernandez.
“They do rate him highly and as he’s just not been able to show that just yet. With every position with Chelsea the midfield department is something they’re always assessing.
“This injury isn’t kickstarting anything particularly. They were already looking at this. They were already assessing the midfield market.
“Will it be the opportunistic one? Will it be if Adam Wharton leaves next summer, do Chelsea think they’ve got to be in that battle? I think they probably will, but the same can be said of, if Tchouameni or Camavinga leave Real Madrid.
“These are players who they’ve got a long history of assessing. From what I’m hearing don’t be surprised if a centre midfielder comes in the summer but I think it’ll be one that one they’ve already done work on.”
Chelsea playing a dangerous game with Moises Caicedo
Despite the idea being Moises Caicedo was going to get a rest against Qarabag, he was brought on just eight minutes into the game as Lavia’s body failed him again.
Maresca has been warned Caicedo is at risk of injury due to the amount he is playing, however the boss will point to the few options he has instead.
Dario Essugo remains out with his own injury, and Andrey Santos does not feel a suitable replacement for what the Ecuadorian brings to the side.
This could have an impact on Chelsea’s plans on signing a new midfielder, and bring them away from the usual plan of bringing in young talents to develop.
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