Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces a potential selection headache after the club’s football leadership missed the opportunity to sign a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closed.
Fernandez has departed Stamford Bridge, leaving the Blues with limited options in the centre of the park heading into the new season.
The hierarchy’s failure to secure cover on deadline day means Alonso may have no alternative but to turn to two academy graduates who previously impressed during pre-season preparations.
Chelsea had pursued Lamine Camara from Monaco throughout the transfer window, with two initial offers rebuffed by the Ligue 1 club.
The French side eventually presented an opportunity to acquire the 22-year-old midfielder for a reduced fixed fee of £47million as deadline day approached, despite the parties having previously reached a written agreement.
Monaco’s willingness to negotiate stemmed from complications surrounding Folarin Balogun’s proposed move to Everton.
The Merseyside club had agreed a fee of £42.5million for the 25-year-old forward, though medical examinations revealed issues that temporarily halted proceedings.
This development prompted Monaco to seek funds by offering Camara to Chelsea at a discount.
However, when Monaco received indication that the Balogun transfer might proceed after all, the club withdrew from negotiations with Chelsea, leaving the west London side furious.
Sources indicate that Chelsea themselves could have abandoned Fernandez’s proposed move to Manchester City but chose to honour their commitment, unlike Monaco.
The current midfield options available to Alonso include Moises Caicedo, who sustained an injury during the opening weekend, Romeo Lavia, whose injury record since arriving from Southampton in August 2023 remains a concern, and Reece James, who is adapting to a more central role having previously operated as a full-back.
Additional candidates include Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, who continues his recovery following surgery on a broken arm, and Malo Gusto.
The situation is somewhat alleviated by Chelsea’s absence from European competition this season.
The team is expected to feature in approximately 20 matches before January, with two international breaks accounting for roughly five weeks of the next 17 weeks and only a handful of midweek fixtures.
Should Alonso require additional options during the coming months, Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli remain available.
Both players distinguished themselves during the summer pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East.
Nicoll-Jazuli particularly attracted Alonso’s attention after holding his own during a friendly against Juventus.
Alonso reflected on the youngster’s performance, noting the significance of facing experienced internationals at such a young age.
The Spaniard acknowledged that remembering such encounters would benefit Nicoll-Jazuli’s development, emphasising the importance of game understanding, composure in possession, and defensive awareness as areas requiring continued growth.