A few days ago, Chelsea was also considered one of the teams with an impressive transfer window. Positive performances at the beginning of the season further strengthened confidence at Stamford Bridge, but the final day left a significant gap in Xabi Alonso's squad.
Chelsea once targeted Lamine Camara with a fee of about 47 million pounds. The deal was expected to be completed before the transfer window closed, but finally collapsed at the last minute.
Manu Kone, Alex Scott and Martin Zubimendi have also been mentioned as potential options. However, no more midfielders have arrived at Stamford Bridge.
The problem becomes even more worrying when Enzo Fernandez has joined Manchester City. Chelsea is therefore lacking an important option in midfield, while Moises Caicedo is also starting to make the team worried about fitness.
Caicedo did not start in the opening match of the season against Fulham. In the match against Brighton, the Ecuadorian midfielder only played 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute before having to leave the field due to injury.
The Blues also have Romeo Lavia, who impressed in the match against Fulham. However, the Belgian midfielder has continuously had physical problems since joining the club for £53 million in 2023.
Reece James can also be used in the midfield area, but the injury history of the Chelsea captain makes this option difficult to become a long-term solution. Jordan Henderson brings experience, but is likely only a backup option.
Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet warns that using a right-back in the central midfielder position cannot become a regular option.
Is there any right-back who can become a good central midfielder? No way.
When you play in midfield, the opponent will attack you from all directions, and not every player is the same".
Chelsea used James and Lavia in the center in the match against Fulham, before Malo Gusto was pulled into midfield in the match against Brighton.
This weekend, the blue team will be guests at Arsenal's stadium. This will be an important test for Alonso to assess the depth of the midfield, especially in the context that Caicedo and Lavia have not yet brought certainty in terms of fitness.
