Chelsea abandon Sanches chase as midfield woes linger

Chelsea have ruled out signing former Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Renato Sanches on a free transfer, a decision taken after a Sunday defeat to Arsenal highlighted a glaring midfield problem for Xabi Alonso’s side at Stamford Bridge.

Failed attempts to replace Enzo Fernandez

The club entered the final day of the transfer window without a replacement for Manchester City‑bound Enzo Fernandez, despite having multiple deals in place. Talks to bring in Lamine Camara from Monaco and Manu Kone from Roma collapsed, leaving the midfield short‑handed.

Camara’s collapse was especially damaging, as Monaco withdrew at the last minute. Liverpool have since emerged as serious contenders for the Senegal international.

Renato Sanches on Chelsea’s radar

reported that Chelsea considered a free‑agent deal for Renato Sanches after his summer exit from Paris Saint‑Germain. The 29‑year‑old, a former Portugal international, had previously featured for Swansea City in 2018 and spent recent seasons on loan at Roma, Benfica and Panathinaikos.

Sanches made just 27 appearances for Paris Saint‑Germain after joining in 2022, and he was reportedly open to a move to Stamford Bridge before the club pulled the plug.

Chelsea have decided to rely on the current midfield options at Alonso’s disposal until the January window, rather than adding Sanches to the squad.

Alonso, when asked if the side felt short in midfield after the 2‑1 loss to Arsenal, said: “We have several options and we need to find the right balance. We believe we have the quality and competitiveness necessary for the entire season and to face every opponent.”

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright criticised the decision, arguing that the midfield “problem” was foreseeable and that Chelsea should have acted sooner, especially given the impending departure of Enzo Fernandez.