Chelsea confirmed late curiosity in Fulham‘s Sander Berge as they tried to strengthen their midfield choices earlier than Enzo Fernandez’s departure.
The Blues meant to signal a central midfielder within the closing days of the summer time switch window as they ready for Fernandez to hitch Manchester Metropolis.
Nonetheless, Chelsea’s search resulted in disappointment as they bought Fernandez for £125m with out signing a alternative.
It’s understood Norway worldwide Berge was among the many choices explored by Chelsea throughout the ultimate phases of the window, although they didn’t make a proper bid and Fulham thought-about the 28-year-old not on the market.
Since his arrival from Burnley in 2023, Berge has turn out to be a key participant for the Cottagers, making 78 appearances.
Ultimately, Chelsea targeted their efforts on Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone on deadline day.
They believed that they had struck a deal to signal Camara for £47m throughout the closing hours of the window however that collapsed minutes earlier than the deadline.
Reviews additionally prompt Chelsea made an strategy for Everton midfielder James Garner on deadline day – however Toffees supervisor David Moyes has refuted that.
Signing a brand new central midfielder within the January switch window is more likely to be a precedence for Chelsea given their frustrations final month, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott amongst their long-term targets.
Chelsea’s want for a brand new midfielder was demonstrated in Sunday’s loss to Arsenal as supervisor Xabi Alonso completed the match with right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto within the centre of the pitch.
There may be hope, nevertheless, that Moises Caicedo will return from the damage that prompted him to overlook the Emirates Stadium defeat in time for Saturday’s residence recreation towards Hull (15:00 BST).