Chelsea are desperately short of quality in midfield following the inexplicable decision to sell Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos without securing replacements.
The Blues are struggling to win duels in the centre, control games and snuff out opposition attacks, as evidenced by the draw at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.
Moises Caicedo’s injury has not helped matters. Chelsea have used Reece James and Malo Gusto in the middle of the park, but neither is suited to the role.
Valentin Barco struggles to impose himself, while Jordan Henderson has been injured since signing for the club outfit over the summer.
Chelsea need to add a midfielder or two in January or could struggle to claw back into one of the Champions League spots at the end of this season.
Here are five midfielders the Blues should be monitoring.
Lamine Camara
A £47 million move to Chelsea fell through on the final day of the transfer window. The Blues should do everything to resurrect this deal in January.
Camara has entered a new gear this season and has been the standout midfielder in Ligue 1.
The Monaco star’s performances have earned him praise from manager and former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, who lauded him as world-class.
His engine, distribution, dribbling, composure under pressure, progressive passing and carrying make him the perfect partner for Caicedo in a double pivot.
James Garner
Rumours claim Chelsea made a last-ditch move to sign Everton’s James Garner in the recently closed transfer window. It was a wise decision.
Compared to Uruguay captain Federico Valverde, the Englishman is a top defensive midfielder who can take his game to the next level at Stamford Bridge.
Garner is an underrated force in the middle. He is an excellent distributor and great ball-winner who could do a terrific job for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea should consider making another move for Garner in January. They can get his club to sell if they move early in the transfer window.
Mamadou Sangare
Brentford’s Mamadou Sangare has taken the Premier League by storm following his summer move.
He is a powerful, all-action monster who can add steel to Chelsea’s midfield.
Sangare would add the height they have been missing and allow the Blues to move on from Romeo Lavia, who lacks intensity and hasn’t developed over the years.
Sangare is as ‘complete‘ as they come. He is the Premier League signing of the summer and brings an abundance of the intensity the Blues need.
However, since he signed this summer, his club might be reluctant to let him move in January, but crazier things have happened in the market.
Alex Scott
Chelsea reportedly made multiple bids for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, but they would not budge. That decision is paying massive dividends.
Scott has been terrific, continuing his outstanding form from last season. He could find another level by the end of this campaign.
If their midfield situation doesn’t improve, the Blues might send more bids to Bournemouth despite their reluctance.
However, Chelsea should be wary of his injury history. He has struggled with a few issues in his short career that raise eyebrows.
Pablo Barrios
Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios is another underrated midfielder who can do a sensational job for Chelsea in the engine room.
The Spaniard is a multi-faceted midfielder blessed with extraordinary passing, vision and the typical Diego Simeone work rate.
He works excellently with Koke in the middle of the park because he is very astute defensively, even though it is his ability to run the show that steals the spotlight.
However, he also has a very sketchy injury history, and Chelsea might be wise to steer clear and push for other targets.
He has a €500m release clause on a contract that runs until 2030, and his club can frustrate Chelsea’s interest.
