Chelsea have reportedly decided against signing former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches despite considering the Portugal international as a possible free-agent option following Enzo Fernandez’s departure.
The London club allowed Enzo Fernandez to join Manchester City but failed to bring in another midfielder before the transfer window closed, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with fewer options in the centre of the pitch.
Chelsea had attempted to strengthen the position before the deadline, with reports linking the club with Lamine Camara of Monaco and Manu Koné of Roma. Neither deal was completed.
The situation was highlighted during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, when full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto were both used in midfield.
Chelsea subsequently considered several free-agent possibilities after the transfer deadline.
Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was reportedly among the players considered, but the Dutchman eventually joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea also explored the possibility of signing Renato Sanches, who is currently without a club after leaving PSG.
However, the club ultimately decided against pursuing a deal for the 29-year-old midfielder and will instead work with the players already available to Alonso.
Sanches began his professional career at Benfica before joining Bayern Munich in 2016. He later moved to PSG but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, making 27 appearances for the French club after joining.
The Portugal international subsequently spent periods on loan away from PSG, including spells in Italy, Portugal and Greece. He also previously played in the Premier League for Swansea City.
Chelsea’s decision has attracted criticism, particularly after the club failed to replace Fernandez before his move to Manchester City.
Following the defeat to Arsenal, Alonso was asked whether his squad lacked sufficient midfield options.
The Chelsea manager insisted that he had enough players to manage the season.
“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, however, questioned Chelsea’s transfer strategy and argued that the club should have anticipated Fernandez’s departure.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wright said Chelsea’s midfield could become a problem, particularly if injuries affect the players currently available.
“I think their front three will pose problems for many teams, but it ultimately hinges on the midfield.”
Wright also pointed to the departures of Fernandez and Andrey Santos, arguing that Chelsea should have acted earlier to secure midfield reinforcements.
“They could have acted sooner, as Enzo was always going to depart.”
Chelsea had initially taken the lead against Arsenal through summer signing Morgan Rogers, but former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz equalised before Martin Ødegaard scored the winning goal in the second half.
The result ended Chelsea’s perfect start to the season and returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea will now continue the campaign with their existing midfield options after deciding against bringing in Sanches or another free agent to fill the gap left by Fernandez.
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