Chelsea's need for a new midfielder was apparent last summer. It was still evident in January. Even with the addition of Enzo Fernandez over the winter there was something missing, and heading into the next transfer window it could be more evident.
Despite bringing in young talent in the position, mixing it with experience of World Cup and European Championship winning excellence and also giving three managers the freedom to shape the team, no balance has been found. For the seventh time since 2017, Chelsea are trying to find their next answer to Nemanja Matic.
When he was sold after helping to win the title earlier that year, little was it thought that Tiemoue Bakayoko would be loaned out four times, covering five seasons, and no answer to the defensive midfield position would be found. Since the Frenchman arrived from Monaco no true player in that style has been signed permanently.
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Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho came in but neither are an anchor or midfield destroyer. Saul Niguez was tried on loan but went only marginally better than Denis Zakaria who couldn't fulfil the hype of his early Borussia Monchengladbach days. Fernandez was seen as the answer but even he is vastly miscast in the deepest midfield role.
The incumbent Mauricio Pochettino will have no time to waste in sorting this out. He requires an engine room to function and has the freedom to clearout and restock the shelves in that position. Mason Mount appears on his way out, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek might beat him through the door. Mateo Kovacic won't be far behind. Zakaria has already gone.
That is four players down in an already-short position. Jorginho was sold in January, Carney Chukwuemeka isn't trusted or suited to a double-pivot and Conor Gallagher has had his own troubles in the deeper position as well. Although there are returning loan options which could help, the general look of the central area is set to be vastly different.
Even Gallagher himself could yet leave the club this summer while N'Golo Kante is still yet to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the next month. It is deeply troubling but also an opportunity for Pochettino as he looks to mould the midfield.
Here, football.london experiments with just how it could look come the opening day of next season.
Manuel Ugarte
In a 4-3-3 shape, or one that can be flexibly moved into a 3-4-3 with the deepest and most defensive minded player dropping into the backline as a makeshift and situational centre-back, a true physical presence is needed. Up step Ugarte.
The Uruguay powerhouse possesses physical attributes beyond his years and has been massively impressive in Ruben Amorim's Sporting CP side: just ask Arsenal. Although he is a relatively unknown prospect outside of Portugal, his senior debut in Uruguay aged 15 and Paris Saint-Germain's intense interest tell their own story.
He has weaknesses on the ball but certainly fits the off-ball style that could make him a go to man under Pochettino. It isn't just a pipe-dream signing either. Reports in Portugal suggest he is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea sending directors out to seal the deal.
Moises Caicedo
It is said that should Ugarte join, which he appears increasingly likely to do so, that the club's interest in Caicedo won't be ending. He is one of the top names on their minds for the position and should the midfield exodus go beyond three names, seeing both players end up in blue might not be too unrealistic either.
Ecuadorian media report that he would prefer a move to Arsenal - where have we heard that one before? Chelsea remain in the mix, though, and could have a newly revamped midfield with him a part of it. As an energetic, dynamic and technically skilled in multiple areas player, Caicedo is gold dust on the transfer market.
His performances under Roberto De Zerbi have helped to establish him as one of the best young midfielders in the world and Chelsea would love to see his speed, ball-carrying and excellence between the boxes alongside the anchor of Ugarte next season.
Enzo Fernandez
The final piece of the puzzle is Chelsea's metronomic new version of Cesc Fabregas. Even in a poor team he has stood out and was even in with a shout of winning the club's player of the season award despite not joining until January 31. Since then he has started every game, such has been his short adaptation and importance.
Fernandez offers control and creativity from deep as well as good old fashioned Argentine aggression which is sure to be admired and demanded by his fellow countryman, Pochettino. In a trio of South American midfield zest, Fernandez is the classy finishing touch.
The issue with this trio is goals, but the base provided by the two new signings in this hypothetical side allow him the chance to venture forward and into attacking areas in ways he hasn't been able to yet.
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