Chelsea target Deadline Day swoop for THREE midfielders

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Feb 2025 15:24 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea have identified three midfield targets for a potential late Deadline Day swoop, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Blues are not expected to make any massive signings before the deadline on Monday night, with a deal for Alejandro Garnacho now deemed unlikely due to Christopher Nkunku staying put.

However, Chelsea could nevertheless bring in a fresh face for the future, with the West London club still scouring the midfielder market. On Sunday, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Blues had enquired about Nico O'Reilly's situation at Man City.

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Chelsea are looking to pull off a deal akin to the spectacular swoop that saw them land Cole Palmer in 2023. However, Man City have learned from previous mistakes and have told their Premier League rivals that they would want a buy-back clause or at least matching rights in any potential deal.

It is unclear if Chelsea will try to pursue a move for O'Reilly or chase one of their other two targets.

Chelsea eye Amougou and Essugo

Romano has also revealed that the Blues are exploring moves for Mathis Amougou of Saint-Etienne and Sporting CP youngster Dario Essugo. Interest in the former has also been confirmed by L'Equipe.

Talks have been taking place over a deal for Amougou in recent days, although a breakthrough hasn't been reached at this stage. It is also still unclear how Chelsea would proceed with the 19-year-old if signed. Romano states that he could be part of the first team or that he could be sent to Ligue 1 affiliate Strasbourg.

As for Essugo, it does not appear as though formal negotiations have taken place with Sporting yet, but the Portuguese giants 'expect movements in the final hours,' Romano reports.

It remains to be seen on which option Chelsea will ultimately settle, but it is clear that the Blues could yet bring in a new face before tonight's deadline.