Chelsea showed late interest in Fulham's Sander Berge as they attempted to strengthen their midfield options before Enzo Fernandez's departure. The Blues intended to sign a central midfielder in the closing days of the summer transfer window as they prepared for Fernandez to join Manchester City. However, Chelsea's search ended in disappointment as they sold Fernandez for £125m without signing a replacement.
It is understood Norway international Berge was among the options explored by Chelsea during the final stages of the window, though they did not make a formal bid and Fulham considered the 28-year-old not for sale. Since his arrival from Burnley in 2023, Berge has become a key player for the Cottagers, making 78 appearances. In the end, Chelsea focused their efforts on Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma's Manu Kone on deadline day.
They believed they had struck a deal to sign Camara for £47m during the closing hours of the window but that collapsed minutes before the deadline. Reports also suggested Chelsea made an approach for Everton midfielder James Garner on deadline day - but Toffees manager David Moyes has refuted that. Signing a new central midfielder in the January transfer window is likely to be a priority for Chelsea given their frustrations last month, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott among their long-term targets.
Chelsea's need for a new midfielder was demonstrated in Sunday's loss to Arsenal as manager Xabi Alonso finished the match with right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in the centre of the pitch. There is hope, however, that Moises Caicedo will return from the injury that caused him to miss the Emirates Stadium defeat in time for Saturday's home game against Hull ( ). Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know?
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