Chelsea will hold talks to sign €60m midfielder ‘soon’ in bid to replace Enzo Fernandez
It looks like Chelsea are already thinking about the January transfer window despite the market just closing.
The Blues are in desperate need of a new midfielder after selling Enzo Fernandez on deadline day and failing to sign a replacement.
Chelsea were interested in Lamine Camara and Manu Kone but could not sign either in the end.
It’s time to talk about our midfield situation… who’s getting your vote?
Chelsea set for fresh talks to sign Manu Kone
Chelsea were closer to signing Camara, who was on the verge of moving to Stamford Bridge before AS Monaco pulled the plug on the deal, but there is a belief that Kone is perfect for Xabi Alonso’s style of play.
Journalist Simon Phillips has now claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues are set to hold more talks with Roma “soon” about signing Kone.
It has been reported that Chelsea had a €60m bid for Kone rejected when the window was open, so the 25-year-old does appear to be high on their shortlist.
But whether they prioritise Kone over Camara remains to be seen. Of course, doing business with Monaco in 2027 could be difficult.

Following Camara’s failed move to Stamford Bridge, it is thought that Chelsea and Monaco now have no relationship.
If Chelsea do make another move for Kone, €60m may be enough to secure his signature this time around. The timing of the Blues’ initial bid seemed to be the issue rather than how much money they offered.
The club tried to sign Kone on deadline day, leaving Roma with little time to find a replacement for the France international.
Alonso would have loved to have either Kone or Camara right now. With Moises Caicedo injured and Fernandez gone, Chelsea currently look very weak in midfield.
Individually, Reece James and Romeo Lavia are very good players, but as a double pivot in midfield, they have underwhelmed. James, of course, is not a natural midfielder either.
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