According to a report by Football London on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Chelsea have been advised to consider Brighton midfielder Chema Andres ahead of Yasin Ayari as head coach Xabi Alonso prepares to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

Chelsea have reportedly entered the race alongside Galatasaray to sign Ayari, whose uncertain contract situation at Brighton has attracted interest from several clubs. The Sweden international has played an important role in Fabian Hurzeler's team this season, contributing two goals as Brighton have scored 23 Premier League goals, six more than Chelsea.

Ayari's current contract is scheduled to expire next summer, although Brighton possess an option to extend the agreement by another year. Discussions over a longer-term deal are reportedly continuing, but progress has stalled, potentially giving Chelsea an opportunity to secure his services.

However, Chelsea have been encouraged to prioritise their central midfield rather than pursue another attacking player. Alonso's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation already provides several options in advanced positions, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also emerged as a potential target for the Stamford Bridge club. Nevertheless, Andres is attracting attention because of his physical attributes and ability to provide defensive stability in midfield.

The 21-year-old Spaniard joined Brighton from Stuttgart this summer and could complement Moises Caicedo by offering additional protection in front of the defence. Standing at 6ft 4in, Andres possesses the physical strength required to compete against opposing midfielders, with his style drawing comparisons to former Chelsea player Nemanja Matic.

Statistics cited by Sofascore indicate that Andres has averaged 1.8 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per 90 minutes this season. Ayari, by comparison, has recorded averages of 0.5 tackles and 0.3 interceptions. Andres has also won 2.3 ground duels per game, compared with Ayari's 1.8.

Despite his defensive responsibilities, Andres has registered one goal and one assist, demonstrating that he can contribute offensively while maintaining his midfield duties.

Alonso's previous connection with Andres could also influence Chelsea's interest. The midfielder joined Real Madrid's academy in 2018 at the age of 13, where Alonso coached him at Under-14 level.

Recalling their training sessions in an interview with AS, Andres praised Alonso's exceptional passing ability.

“When training sessions finished, he would stay behind practising passes to the goalkeepers or long balls that went straight to their feet; it was spectacular,” Andres said.

“He would have us practise with him, but of course, there was no comparison between his passes and ours.”