Despite Reece James’ long-term injury, Chelsea suddenly look solid in midfield. Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson have returned from their own injuries, but a new signing in January is expected.

With James out until 2027, Alonso is left with Caicedo, Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco. It might be enough to cope in a season without Europe, but Lavia is injury-prone, and Henderson is 36.

Having failed to sign Lamine Camara in the summer, Chelsea are expected to go back into the market for a new midfielder. Now, reports suggest the next £100m midfielder could arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea gather information on Leeds United star’s brother

The name Nmecha will send shivers down the spines of Chelsea fans. It was Leeds star Lukas Nmecha who scored as the Whites produced a shock comeback against Chelsea under Liam Rosenior during 2025-26.

It was the start of Rosenior’s downfall, in fact. But it is his brother that Chelsea want to sign, with Felix Nmecha sparkling in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. Chelsea have been linked with the German ace recently.

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Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder…

Alex Scott remains the priority for Chelsea, with the England star seen as the obvious replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Charlie Austin believes Scott is the perfect candidate to come in for Fernandez.

But TuttoMercatoWeb say Chelsea have gathered information on Nmecha as well. However, the report indicates that the Dortmund star is also a target for Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, and both Manchester clubs.

Chelsea will sign the next £100m midfielder: Scott or Nmecha?

Scott is expected to cost around £100m, while Nmecha is valued between £80m and £90m – but the Germany star has plenty of clubs interested and a bidding war could easily see that figure rise to £100m.

With Chelsea pursuing both, the chances are that Chelsea will sign the next £100m midfielder after Enzo Fernandez, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson. But which would suit Xabi Alonso’s style at Chelsea, more?

The key takeaways are that Nmecha is better in the final third, but one may argue that his form comes in a lesser league like the Bundesliga. He remains unproven in the Premier League, while Scott certainly is.

Scott seems better at keeping possession. Both players can pass, but Scott’s ability to recover the ball, make interceptions, and win free-kicks stand out. That street-smart style in midfield would help Chelsea.

Ultimately, Scott and Nmecha are brilliant players. Both would be top-notch additions for Alonso. But the mere fact that Scott is proven in the Premier League, makes the England and Bournemouth ace better.