Chelsea vs Arsenal would have been very different if Blues had made £30m signing this summer
Chelsea’s lack of midfield depth played a key role in them falling to defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, and it could have been very different if they’d completed a signing in that role over the summer.
Xabi Alonso started Reece James in midfield, with Malo Gusto ending the game alongside him as the Blues struggled to find options to start in that role.
Moises Caicedo remains unavailable for selection, and Chelsea are still reeling from the exit of Enzo Fernandez in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Let’s settle this, Chelsea are better off with Reece James at right-back… 🤔
Do you prefer James in midfield or at right-back – and why?
Chelsea vs Arsenal would have been different if Blues signed Granit Xhaka
The Blues’ efforts to sign a new midfielder on deadline day failed, however it was missing out on the signing of Granit Xhaka which has really hurt them now.
The Switzerland international emerged as a target because Alonso found great success with him at Bayer Leverkusen, and maintained his standards in his first season back in the Premier League with Sunderland.
Chelsea were willing to offer around £15m for Xhaka, however the Black Cats rightfully set a price tag in the region of £30m to even enter negotiations with the Blues.
Despite adding the likes of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson to their squad to address the lack of experience in the side, they need a presence on the pitch as well who has seen tough environments like playing away to the champions.
Xhaka would have been the perfect mix between experience and actually being able to feature for the Blues, and Chelsea missed a trick not stumping up the cash for the veteran midfielder.
Chelsea’s ongoing hunt for a new midfielder
Despite brief links to free agents such as Renato Sanches, Chelsea are expected to wait until January before attacking the midfield market again.
Alex Scott was one of the club’s top targets throughout the summer window, and the Blues have not lost their hunger in wanting to sign him.
There has already been talk of Chelsea trying to reach a pre-agreement with Bournemouth to sign the England international, as they look to avoid a hijack from another top side.
He is continuing to gain Premier League experience, and stylistically looks a perfect fit to start alongside Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge.
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