Chelsea's confidence had increased over the Frenkie de Jong deal but the reality is Thomas Tuchel's side could end the summer transfer window without another option recruited in the centre of the park.
Before links to De Jong had emerged, various midfielders across the European scene were tentatively linked to Stamford Bridge with Matheus Nunes the main option in the early stages of the window. Youri Tielemans could become an option if certain things were to unfold against the Blues in the last three weeks.
Initial indications are that negative news could be on its way with Man United having renewed 'confidence' that they will make real progress with bringing Barca's number 21 to Old Trafford next week. Some reports in Spain are even indicating that manager Erik ten Hag may meet face-to-face with his Dutch compatriot soon. Other reports state that the 25-year-old has told his teammates that he will move to Manchester if he was forced out eventually towards the back end of the window.
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This wouldn't be a catastrophic blow for the Blues normally if all remaining midfielders were to stay put before September 1 but there is increasing speculation that Juventus could come in for Jorginho whilst Crystal Palace are looking into loan deals for both Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Billy Gilmour is also expected to find another club for 2022/23.
You wouldn't expect all these moves to go through but even one could be problematic, especially with Mateo Kovacic already out injured ahead of Spurs.
If Chelsea were to sell/loan either one of Jorginho, Gallagher or Loftus-Cheek then another midfield signing would surely have to be on the agenda of Todd Boehly's whose current priority in this £300million rebuild is on defence and attack amid Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Wesley Fofana talks.
Something Tuchel confirmed with his admission after Everton last weekend. He said: "Yeah, if we can add, we add. Maybe not necessarily a midfielder as a first option but we’re open for everything.
"I think we can use new energy, new legs and fresh input to bring us to a new level. If not, then we will push this team but I think we could use some more input and some more quality. We’re on it but we will not tell you [who]."
Obviously, a week is a long-time during a transfer period, so Tuchel's stance on this may change, especially if De Jong either stays put which looks the most likely at this moment or does indeed complete a move to the north of England which has been touted around all summer.
With all of this in mind, football.london outlines what could be Chelsea's best midfield if De Jong does say no to Chelsea and Jorginho was granted his favoured Serie A return.
If both situations were to go against Chelsea, one of Nunes or Tielemans will need to sign as the pair are attainable this summer if a suitable offer was made to either one of Sporting Lisbon or Leicester City.
N'Golo Kante will have a big task ahead of him to stay fit this season with Kovacic already showing his weakness in that respect. If the Croatian isn't able to avoid injuries, then a partnership with the Frenchman will not be able to form during the season.
Gallagher and Loftus-Cheek, if one or both players do stay, will have a chance to challenge the status quo early on, especially if Tuchel sticks to his guns and doesn't spend money on a new midfielder.
Chelsea fans - What are you hoping to see happen in the midfield area before the transfer window shuts? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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