Could Nicoll-Jazuli be the answer to Chelsea's midfield problems?
Could Nicoll-Jazuli be the answer to Chelsea's midfield problems?
Tue, September 29, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC
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We asked for your questions to put to BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella. In the first of a three-part Q&A, he focuses on the Blues' midfield.
Jake asked: Are Chelsea likely to go back into the market for either Manu Kone or Lamine Camara in the coming windows?
Nizaar: I can tell you with some degree of certainty that Chelsea are open to signing a midfielder in January.
That position could change depending on whether they gain some stability in midfield when Moises Caicedo returns, or whether players such as Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Reggie Watson, both 16, are deemed ready by January to make an impact on the fringes of the first-team squad.
As for the key question of who that midfielder could be, Chelsea previously tried to sign Roma's Manu Kone and Monaco's Lamine Camara. However, Liverpool are believed to be interested in Camara and could join the race in the near future.
It also appears that both clubs will try to retain their players during the winter transfer window. Chelsea have also explored Premier League options, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Sander Berge of Fulham. Again, it seems unlikely either would be available in January.
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It may be wiser to wait until the summer to add genuine quality rather than sign a short-term option. There are a lot of moving parts, though, and an injury or two could force Chelsea into the market.
Nizaar has his say on Chelsea breakout star Nicoll-Jazuli
John asked: Given our struggles with having a central midfielder who can control the tempo, what are your thoughts on playing Nicoll-Jazuli alongside either Caicedo (when fit) or Jordan Henderson? If they're good enough, they're old enough - for example, Max Dowman at Arsenal.
Nizaar: I see Nicoll-Jazuli as more of a box-to-box midfielder, or perhaps more of a number eight, but it is true that Chelsea have used him as a number six out of necessity when he has played.
Watson is another player who could develop into that role.
I know Chelsea regard Nicoll-Jazuli as a top-tier talent and are excited that he has committed to signing his first professional contract when he turns 17, despite attempts by several major clubs to lure him away.
Unfortunately, I do not think he is the solution to this particular problem. Caicedo's return will tell us a lot about whether this squad is fit for purpose.
Keep across this page for parts two and three of Tuesday's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Estevao Willian's game time and what Chelsea's boardroom reshuffle could mean for stadium development.
Source: “AOL Sports”
