There are just 47 days until the January transfer window opens, yes really, and if we can guarantee one thing, it is that Chelsea will be active. Following Enzo Fernández's deadline day move to Manchester City, not replaced, central midfield is the area Xabi Alonso would most like to strengthen.
However, the Blues may fail in their attempt to land their number on target. As reported by Mike McGrath of the Telegraph earlier this week, Bournemouth "intend to resist offers" for star assets Alex Scott, Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi in January. The Cherries believe a second successive season of European qualification is ascertainable, currently seventh in the Premier League, as well as boasting a perfect record in the Europa League.
Of course, a big enough offer could change their mind but, assuming Scott is a non-starter, which other midfielders should be on Chelsea's radar?
1) Lamine Camara - AS Monaco
Had events panned out differently, Lamine Camara would be a Chelsea player right now. On deadline day, the Senegalese international was undergoing a medical ahead of a a €55 million move from Monaco. However, at the 11th hour, les Monégasques pulled the plug, instead choosing to sell Folarin Balogun to Everton, only for that to collapse too.
Instead, Camara has continued to be a star for Monaco, playing every minute in Ligue 1 this season, as well as scoring against Górnik Zabrze and Freiburg in the Conference League. He is obviously a player Chelsea admire so, with Liverpool also purportedly interested, could a move be revisited?
2) Yasin Ayari
As the only saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, Chelsea's primary strategy under Clearlake has been to just buy Brighton players and, with the Seagulls flying high right now, there are plenty to choose from. So, would Yasin Ayari slot nicely into the Blues' current set up under Alonso?
The Swedish international has started all bar one of the Albion's Premier League matches this season, recently scoring the winner at the Etihad. His high-energy, combative style would be ideal for Alonso's 3-4-3 shape, so you would not rule out this move would you?
3) Manu Koné
Last, but by no means least, Manu Koné was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, but this did not materialise. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are purportedly among those tracking the 25 year old, who is valued at around €60 million by Roma, his reputation having been enhanced by a strong World Cup campaign with France.
After scoring twice against Inter at Stadio Olimpico in September, Koné has only recently returned, having sat out six matches due to a hamstring injury. Alongside Moisés Caicedo, Koné would form a formidable midfield pairing, so expect his name to be mentioned all throughout January.
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