Chelsea explored a late move for Fulham midfielder Sander Berge as the club searched for additional midfield cover before Enzo Fernandez completed his transfer to Manchester City.
The Blues entered the final days of the summer window expecting Fernandez to leave Stamford Bridge and wanted to add another central midfielder before approving his departure. Fernandez ultimately joined City in a £125 million deal, but Chelsea were unable to secure a replacement before the deadline.
Berge was one of several midfielders considered during the closing stages of the window. Chelsea examined the possibility of signing the Norway international but did not submit a formal offer, with Fulham unwilling to consider selling the 28-year-old.
The midfielder has developed into an important part of Fulham’s squad since arriving from Burnley in 2023, recording 78 appearances for the west London club.
Chelsea eventually concentrated their deadline-day efforts on Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Roma midfielder Manu Kone. A £47 million agreement for Camara appeared close during the final hours of the window, but the proposed transfer collapsed shortly before the deadline.
Everton midfielder James Garner was also linked with Chelsea during deadline day, although Everton manager David Moyes later dismissed suggestions that the club had received an approach for the player.
The failure to strengthen the position is expected to influence Chelsea’s plans for the January transfer window. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott remains among the players the club has tracked over a longer period and could again feature in their recruitment discussions.
Chelsea’s lack of natural central-midfield options became particularly evident during Sunday’s defeat by Arsenal. Manager Xabi Alonso ended the match using full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in central roles, highlighting the limited alternatives available following Fernandez’s departure.
With the summer window now closed and no direct replacement secured, adding another midfielder is likely to become one of Chelsea’s main priorities when the transfer market reopens.