Chelsea have started the Premier League season strongly under manager Xabi Alonso; currently, they are 4th in the league table, and if they continue to perform at this level, they could secure European football, something they failed to achieve last campaign.
During the summer transfer window, the Blues spent big to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, and also signed Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, and Jordan Henderson on a free transfer to strengthen their engine room.
However, they lost Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, and failed to bring in a replacement for him in the summer, as the deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara did not materialise on deadline day.
Currently, Chelsea have Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer at their disposal in the midfield, but as boss Xabi Alonso prefers to play a double pivot in the middle of the park, the club could look to bring in further reinforcements in January.
The London outfit have been long-time admirers of Bournemouth star Alex Scott, and in the upcoming winter transfer window they could have the opportunity to bring him to Stamford Bridge, as the Cherries are willing to listen to offers for the England international.
But he is not the only English midfielder on Chelsea’s wishlist, as according to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Blues’ shortlist includes Harrison Armstrong from Everton, Newcastle United youngster Lewis Miley, Fulham midfielder Josh King, and Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly.
🚨 #Chelsea Chelsea are working on alternative midfield targets following developments during the final stages of the transfer window. 📞 After failing to secure preferred options such as Enzo Fernández and Lamine Camara, the London club are reportedly assessing new opportunities ahead of January. 🔄 Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, Newcastle United’s Lewis Miley, Fulham’s Josh King and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are among the names said to be on Chelsea’s shortlist. ⏳ Chelsea’s scouting department continue to evaluate different profiles as midfield reinforcement remains one of the club’s key priorities. 🔵
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) November 5, 2026
It will not be an easy task to sign young promising talents from fellow Premier League clubs, but it has been suggested that Chelsea’s one of the key priorities is to sign a midfielder in the winter transfer window.
At Everton, Harrison Armstrong has become a key member of David Moyes’ starting lineup, racking up 12 appearances in all competitions this season, while also chipping in with an assist in the process.
Meanwhile, Lewis Miley at Newcastle United remains a solid option for manager Matthias Jaissle, and he has used the youngster as a defensive and central midfielder and at times as a right-back.
Fulham have endured a difficult start to the Premier League season, but Josh King has established himself as an important member of boss Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, making 11 appearances so far across all competitions and contributing to four goals.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been in and out of the Arsenal starting lineup this season, but he is highly regarded by manager Mikel Arteta, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners would want to get in bed with their arch rivals.
Besides that, Chelsea are not only looking to bring in an English midfielder in the upcoming winter transfer window, as the Blues are also keen on Swedish star Yasin Ayari, who is currently at a standstill regarding his contract extension at fellow Premier League club Brighton.
At Chelsea, head coach Xabi Alonso plays an expansive brand of football, which relies on high-pressing intensity, short and quick passes, with wingers and midfielders adding more numbers in the attack, but also a fixed double pivot to provide more protection to the backline.
It is clear that Chelsea are working to bring in the right replacement for Enzo Fernandez, and have prepared several alternatives ahead of the January transfer window; it remains to be seen whether they will be successful or not.
