Transfer News: Chelsea plan to bring in a new midfielder in January
Chelsea were one the top spenders in the Premier League this summer but they could still spend more, according to Evening Standard (h/t Express), the club have already planned that they want to bring in a new midfielder in January.
Graham Potter was appointed as the new Chelsea boss earlier on Thursday, less than 24 hours after sacking former coach Thomas Tuchel. And the owners will back the new boss with their chequebook in January.
Potter will also have a big say in the recruitment process, most likely similar to what Tuchel had. A new sporting director is also expected to be appointed by then, whose expertise could then help the Blues conduct their business.
The Blues are said to be particularly interested in bringing a holding midfielder to west London. Chelsea have wanted such a midfielder for some time now as N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have both entered the final year of their respective contracts.
Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez was close to joining the Blues before the Dutch club turned down a £43 million bid for the 24-year-old. PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia also saw approaches turned down by their respective clubs.
Ultimately, on deadline day, the Blues agreed to sign Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus. Current midfielders in Conor Gallagher and Mateo Kovacic have failed to perform up to the expected level, especially the former. Getting in a new midfielder would make sense.
The report also adds that the west London club might sign a backup goalkeeper too. Edouard Mendy is expected to continue as the undisputed first choice while Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave. It remains to be seen who, if any, goalkeeper is signed.
More Chelsea News:
- Mainz sporting director slams Chelsea owners over Thomas Tuchel sacking
- Chelsea players were sick of Thomas Tuchel and his antics on the sideline
- Chelsea and Manchester United line up a move for Wolves recruitment chief Matt Hobbs
With Potter at the helm, there could be a shift in the type of players the club brings in. There is still some time to go before the window opens. By then, the new boss will have an idea of what department needs reinforcements.
