Chelsea are not expected to be busy in the January transfer window after making plenty of changes to their squad in the summer.
However, in the following transfer window, Chelsea could be active. The Blues have already wrapped up a couple of deals.
Both Emanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda are set to join the club next summer to improve Enzo Maresca’s attack.
SCENARIO: You are one of Chelsea’s sporting directors and Todd Boehly has given you £60m to spend in January. Who are you signing?
Your potential shortlist could include:
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Mike Maignan
- Marc Guehi
Chelsea’s forward line is not the only area set for reinforcements, though.
- READ MORE: Three changes Enzo Maresca must make for Chelsea vs Aston Villa, including return of Estevao Willian
Chelsea want to sign a new midfielder after being forced to play Reece James in engine room
Reece James has been playing in midfield recently and has been thriving there, but it looks like Chelsea want to put an end to that.
According to journalist Matt Law, the Club World Cup winners are planning to sign a new midfielder in 2026 so that Maresca is no longer forced to use James in the middle.
Speaking on the London Is Blue podcast, Law said: “As it was said to me, if you’re having to keep playing right-backs in midfield, you clearly need another midfielder. It can’t be a long-term solution.
“Whatever you think of Reece in midfield, it can’t be a long-term solution to keep having to play right-backs in midfield. And therefore, they want to recruit so that, in the future, they’re not being forced to play right-backs in midfield.”
Injuries to Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo and Moises Caicedo’s suspension have seen James move into midfield.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
James is happy to play in the engine room, but Chelsea seemingly want him back in the right-back position, which is currently being occupied by Malo Gusto.
Chelsea’s potential midfield targets
Regarding potential targets for Chelsea, it is thought that they have Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson on their shortlist.
It was recently claimed that Maresca is a huge fan of Anderson, though it is likely to cost a huge fee to bring the England international in.
Chelsea are also said to be interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi. Bouaddi is only 18 but is getting plenty of first-team experience at Lille right now.
Whether it is Bouaddi, Anderson or someone else, everything is pointing towards Chelsea signing a new midfielder. That is good news for James if the 26-year-old is hoping to play at right-back next season.
James is an incredible footballer. The most important thing for Chelsea is just having him on the pitch.
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