Report: Chelsea decide they want to sign 'outstanding' PL midfielder if £106m deal falls through

By Nathaniel Kay

Chelsea will reportedly turn to Alexis Mac Allister as an alternative if they do not manage to sign Enzo Fernandez in January.

According to the Times, Mac Allister could well be the replacement for his Argentine compatriot, permitted all falls through between the Blues and Benfica.

Todd Boehly seemingly only has eyes for Fernandez right now, as he prepares to pay whatever is necessary for his signature.

Boehly is said to be ready to match or go above the midfielder’s £106m release clause.

However, there is still a chance that Benfica hold off the advances of the Stamford Bridge owner, until the summer at least.

In this scenario, Chelsea will have no choice to search for different options in their attempt to improve Graham Potter’s midfield.

As players in this position go right now, few are in better form or have a higher profile than Brighton & Hove Albion’s World Cup winner.

Chelsea could go for Alexis Mac Allister instead of Fernandez

Mac Allister emerged as one of the surprise stars of the tournament in Qatar, starting six of his nation’s seven games in the run to the final.

His ‘outstanding’ season with Brighton shot to a whole other level on the international stage, a platform he will struggle to come down from for a while.

The 24-year-old and Fernandez formed a formidable partnership in the centre of the park, a duo that not many saw dominating so defiantly.

Now, the pair are both apparently being eyed up by Chelsea.

Although, it’s likely only one will head to South West London, with Fernandez the primary pick at this moment.

Nathaniel Kay

"Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produced regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League. Nathaniel is a full-time writer for the Chelsea Chronicle, and was formerly their social media man. His footballing career reached the sparkling heights of winning the Under-13s Bloxham Tournament in 2011."