Chelsea made a winning start to the 2026-27 season, getting the job done against Fulham at Craven Cottage despite a somewhat erratic second half.
Xabi Alonso’s side produced a scintillating attacking display, with Cole Palmer exceptional, Morgan Rogers scoring on debut, and Joao Pedro netting after just 31 seconds.
Alonso inherited a Chelsea side that finished tenth in the Premier League last season, and the three points at Craven Cottage provide an immediate foundation for a potential title challenge.
However, the second half exposed the need for an elite controlling midfielder, a profile Alonso has been pushing to bring to Stamford Bridge since taking charge.
Enzo Fernandez’s future at Chelsea remains far from certain, and the Argentina star’s potential departure has sharpened focus on exactly who could come in to fill his role.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has been one of Chelsea’s top targets this summer, with BlueCo having seen a £64m bid rejected for the 23-year-old England midfielder.
Scott trained with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup but did not make the plane, and Chelsea believe they can help him fulfil his considerable potential.
Known for composure beyond his years and a coolness in possession that shapes games, Scott has severed contract talks with Bournemouth as Chelsea continue to probe, though the Cherries insist he is going nowhere.
However, according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Alonso would “love” to complete a deal for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi before the transfer deadline, though Arsenal will demand £70m for the former Real Sociedad man.
Phillips elaborated further on the situation, stating: “We’ll just have to wait and see, but [Adam] Wharton or Alex Scott are certainly two to watch to replace Fernandez. And also keep an eye on Martin Zubimendi.”
Phillips added: “Alonso is a big fan of him and he would love to bring him to Chelsea, and Zubimendi is also a big fan of Alonso. So the key there is whether Arsenal would sell but obviously he wants to play.”
Arsenal signed Zubimendi just one year ago, and with Bruno Guimaraes joining the Emirates side in a £75m deal this month, the pathway for a cross-capital transfer could yet open up.
Zubimendi delivered a strong debut Premier League campaign, earning more minutes than every outfield Arsenal player except Declan Rice, a fact that speaks to the high regard Alonso’s former international compatriot commands.
Last season’s Premier League statistics reinforce the case for Zubimendi, who averaged 61.3 touches and 44.3 accurate passes per 90 minutes at an impressive 87 percent accuracy, comfortably ahead of Scott’s respective figures of 54.2 and 31.9 at 85 percent.
Scott edges Zubimendi in areas like ball recoveries, key passes, and big chances created, reflecting his more dynamic and forward-carrying style of play.
Zubimendi lost possession just 8.2 times per 90 compared to Scott’s 10.4, underlining the metronomic security he would bring to Chelsea’s midfield structure alongside Moises Caicedo.
Alonso knows Zubimendi’s qualities intimately and could prove the decisive factor in convincing the midfielder to make a move across London this summer.
Fernandez has attracted interest from Barcelona, who recently made contact to better understand Chelsea’s conditions, with Real Madrid having publicly ruled themselves out of a deal but Manchester City also credited with interest.
Chelsea’s £120m asking price for Fernandez could prove prohibitive, but if the right cogs shift, the Blues will need to move decisively on a high-calibre replacement before the window closes.
Chelsea have a real shot at resurgence this season and are being talked about as genuine Premier League title challengers, making getting this midfield decision right more critical than ever.