Chelsea explored Berge move ahead of Enzo exit

Chelsea’s late transfer-window push included an option from Fulham: Sander Berge. BBC Sport reports that the Blues explored midfield reinforcements after planning for Enzo Fernández to leave.

No replacement after sale

According to the BBC, Chelsea intended to bring in a central midfielder in the closing days of the summer window to cover the expected gap from Enzo’s transfer. But the search ended in disappointment: Enzo Fernández was sold for £125m and Chelsea did not secure a replacement.

The report says Berge, a Norway international, was among the options looked at late on. However, Chelsea did not make a formal bid, and Fulham considered the 28-year-old not for sale.

Camara, Kone and the deadlines

BBC Sport also highlights where Chelsea’s final efforts went. On deadline day, they focused on Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone. Chelsea believed they had struck a deal to sign Camara for £47m, but it collapsed minutes before the deadline.

There were also claims that Chelsea approached Everton midfielder James Garner, but Everton manager David Moyes denied it.

Looking ahead, BBC Sport suggests a new central midfielder in January is likely, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott among the long-term targets. The need for midfield cover was underlined in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal, when manager Xabi Alonso finished with right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto in central positions. There is hope that Moises Caicedo will return from injury in time for Saturday’s home game against Hull City.