Enzo, Caicedo, Nunes - which midfielder should Chelsea prioritise?

James Shearman

• Updated: 26 Jan 2023 20:27 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have spent €460 million on transfers in the 2022-23 season but they have more to do in the January window.

The Blues have signed Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke to add to manager Graham Potter's attacking options.

While Benoit Badiashile was brought in from Monaco to improve the backline.

MORE: Ozil, Drogba and the five best transfers of Jose Mourinho's career

But besides youngster Andrey Santos, the west London club are yet to strengthen the midfield.

Jorginho and N'Golo Kante are out of contract in the summer, albeit the latter is in talks over an extension.

And academy graduates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher lack the quality to be regular starters at Stamford Bridge.

That leaves Mateo Kovacic and on-loan Juventus star Denis Zakaria.

Which midfielder should Chelsea prioritise?

Chelsea's winter pursuit of Enzo Fernandez has failed. Benfica want the Blues to pay the €120m release clause up front.

This is not an option for Chelsea, who have been signing players through amortisation.

For example, Mudryk's £62m fee will be paid across multiple seasons in order to comply with Financial Fair Play.

Adding €120m to this season's spending would mean that Chelsea break FFP rules.

Enzo is not an option unless Benfica agree to a long-term payment structure.

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) January 26, 2023

Brighton's Moises Caicedo has been touted as another option, with Potter having worked with the Ecuadorian in his time at the Amex. And he should be Chelsea's priority.

At 21 years of age, Caicedo is already Premier League proven and would fit seamlessly into Potter's system.

Even if he costs £80m, a player of that quality who could dominate the midfield for the next decade would represent good business.

Another option is Wolves star Matheus Nunes. The Telegraph are reporting that Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race to sign the former Sporting player. The Portugal international “is expected to cost at least £55m”.