Chelsea's midfield problems have become increasingly difficult to ignore during Xabi Alonso's first season in charge so far. The Blues entered the campaign without signing a direct replacement for Enzo Fernández before the transfer deadline, leaving Alonso without the ideal depth and balance he wanted in the centre of the pitch. Moisés Caicedo's injury issues have only made the situation more complicated.
Chelsea still possess considerable midfield talent, but Alonso needs more options capable of controlling games, progressing the ball and providing defensive security. With another transfer window ahead, these five midfielders could emerge as realistic targets for 2027.
5. Lamine Camara
Lamine Camara could be one of the most obvious names for Chelsea to revisit.
The Senegalese midfielder was reportedly close to joining the Blues during the summer as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernández, but the deal ultimately failed to materialise. That unfinished business could give Chelsea a reason to return for him in 2027.
Camara would offer Alonso a dynamic presence in midfield. The 22-year-old combines energy, ball-carrying ability and defensive aggression, while also possessing the technical quality to progress possession.
His versatility would be particularly useful for Alonso. Camara could operate as part of a double pivot or play slightly higher up the pitch when Chelsea need more attacking thrust.
If Alonso wants a younger midfielder who can eventually become a regular starter, Camara makes considerable sense.
4. Manu Koné
Manu Koné is another midfielder Chelsea explored during the summer, only for the Blues to miss out on his signature.
The Frenchman has since continued to impress at Roma, making him an even more attractive proposition for a Chelsea side that needs greater physicality and control in midfield.
Koné would give Alonso something Chelsea currently lack in sufficient quantities: a powerful ball carrier capable of breaking through opposition pressure. He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure, driving forward and competing physically for the ball.
That could transform Chelsea's midfield.
Rather than how they used to rely heavily on Caicedo to cover ground and Fernández to provide progression, Alonso could use Koné to add another layer of athleticism and ball progression. His ability to carry the ball through midfield would also help Chelsea transition more quickly from defence into attack.
Given that Chelsea already showed interest, another approach in 2027 would not be surprising.
3. Alex Scott
Alex Scott has long been regarded as one of England's most exciting young midfielders, and Chelsea's reported interest in him makes the Bournemouth star another name to watch.
Scott offers a slightly different profile to Camara and Koné. He is technically polished, intelligent in possession and capable of operating in several midfield roles. At his best, he combines excellent movement with quick passing and an ability to contribute defensively.
For Alonso, that versatility would be invaluable.
Scott could operate as a No. 8, play in a deeper midfield role or provide additional creativity when Chelsea need to break down a compact defence. His Premier League experience also means he would not require the same adaptation period as a midfielder arriving from another European league.
At just 22, Scott still has considerable room for development.
Chelsea have been linked with him for a long time, and there could be a strong opportunity to finally complete the move in 2027. If Alonso wants a technically gifted English midfielder who can grow into a key player, Scott would be an excellent fit.
2. Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton would give Alonso another exciting young English option, although his profile differs from Scott's in several important ways.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has already demonstrated remarkable maturity for his age. His composure in possession, passing range and ability to dictate the tempo make him particularly attractive for a manager who values control from midfield.
Wharton would give Alonso the option of building attacks from deeper positions.
While Scott can offer more dynamism and versatility, Wharton is arguably more naturally suited to controlling the rhythm of a game. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and distribute it accurately could help Chelsea become more consistent when facing aggressive opposition.
He could also complement Caicedo particularly well.
With Caicedo providing defensive intensity and Wharton controlling possession from deeper areas, Alonso could potentially build a balanced midfield partnership capable of handling both physical battles and technical games.
Chelsea would likely face significant competition for Wharton's signature, but his potential makes him an attractive long-term target.
1. Angelo Stiller
Perhaps the most intriguing option on this list is Angelo Stiller.
Unlike the other four names, Stiller has not been heavily linked with Chelsea, making him the wildcard candidate. However, that could actually make him one of the smartest options for Alonso.
The Stuttgart midfielder has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most impressive midfielders, combining excellent positional intelligence with composure, passing quality and an ability to control games from deep.
For Alonso, there would be an obvious attraction.
The Chelsea manager knows the Bundesliga extremely well from his time managing Bayer Leverkusen. He would therefore have a strong understanding of the league, its tactical demands and the type of midfielder required to succeed there.
Stiller's previous links with Real Madrid also underline the scale of his potential. A player who has attracted interest from one of Europe's biggest clubs is unlikely to lack ambition or quality.
Perhaps most importantly, Stiller could potentially be the cheapest option on this list.
Chelsea would not necessarily need to spend an enormous fee to acquire a midfielder capable of making a major impact. His passing, positional awareness and ability to dictate tempo could make him equally effective to more expensive alternatives.
For Alonso, Stiller could ultimately represent the perfect combination of quality, tactical intelligence and value.
Chelsea have plenty of midfield options to Target for 2027
Chelsea's midfield situation does not need an immediate overhaul, but Alonso clearly needs more depth and balance. The failure to sign an Enzo Fernández replacement and Caicedo's fitness concerns have exposed the importance of strengthening the position.
Camara and Koné could provide power and ball progression, while Scott and Wharton offer exciting English alternatives with different strengths. Stiller, meanwhile, could be the most fascinating wildcard.
If Chelsea want to give Alonso the midfield necessary to implement his football fully, at least one of these five could become a major target in 2027.