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Chelsea consider Edson Álvarez and Tyler Adams to fill midfield void

The Premier League side had hoped to complete the transfer of Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo but may have to turn to cheaper alternatives on the market.

William Gittins
William GittinsWillGitt
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Will Chelsea buy Edson Álvarez and Tyler Adams?
PATRICK T. FALLONAFP

Chelsea’s search for midfield reinforcement goes on, with the club now considering a move for Leeds United’s Tyler Adams or Edson Álvarez of Ajax.

Adams was relegated with Leeds United last season but has impressive pedigree as USMNT captain. The Times reports that Chelsea are considering activating a relegation clause in the 24-year-old’s contract.

Chelsea were close to a deal to sign Álvarez last summer but Ajax refused to make a deal so late in the transfer window. If Chelsea returned with an improved offer the industrious Álvarez could be a good partner for Enzo Fernandez.

Enzo Fernandez impressed for Chelsea last season but needs to find a long-term midfield partner going forward.
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Enzo Fernandez impressed for Chelsea last season but needs to find a long-term midfield partner going forward.PATRICK SMITHAFP

‘I think we’re still talking about needing an experienced midfielder, yes,’ new head coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted in recent days.

The Premier League club have made no secret of their pursuit of Moisés Caicedo this summer but have had two bids rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion. Chelsea’s latest bid was worth around £80 million, Brighton value the player at £100 million.

Moisés Caicedo admits that he wants to leave at Brighton’s awards night

Chelsea lose midfield options

After a year of seemingly limitless spending in the transfer market, Chelsea have been forced to tread a more careful path this summer. In a bid to recoup some transfer fees and thin down the bloated squad, a number of key figures have left Stamford Bridge this transfer window.

Some of the biggest departures so far have been in midfield, where a number of starters have left the club.

Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic was Chelsea’s first-choice midfield trio until fairly recently, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek had been at the club since the age of eight. All four have left Chelsea this summer on permanent deals and the club have struggled to replace them.

Chelsea have lost four established midfielders this summer and are yet to replace them.
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Chelsea have lost four established midfielders this summer and are yet to replace them.GIUSEPPE CACACEAFP

Enzo Fernandez will be the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield for years to come but the the identity of those alongside him is still uncertain. The Blues have done well to reduce numbers in their squad, but now need to add quality in a key area to ensure they start the season off well.

Chelsea begin life under Pochettino on Sunday, 13 August with a Premier League fixture against Liverpool.