Chelsea’s position in the Premier League has improved under Xabi Alonso, although their performances still leave room for improvement. The Blues have collected 13 points from seven matches, winning four, drawing one and losing two, while scoring 17 goals and conceding 13. That record places them fourth in the table as of October 23, 2026.
Morgan Rogers has added attacking quality since arriving in the summer, while João Pedro continues to lead Chelsea’s forward line. However, Enzo Fernández‘s departure for £125 million has changed the balance of Alonso’s midfield, leaving the recruitment team with a reason to examine further options.
Moisés Caicedo offers defensive security and physical presence, whereas Roméo Lavia provides control from deeper positions. Jordan Henderson brings experience, and Valentín Barco offers versatility across midfield and the full-back areas. Even so, Chelsea could benefit from another midfielder who can carry possession forward and connect the central areas with their attacking players.
That need has drawn attention to Brighton’s recruitment situation
According to an exclusive report by TEAMtalk, Chelsea have joined the race for 23-year-old Sweden international Yasin Ayari after contract negotiations with Brighton stalled. The report says the midfielder’s current agreement expires at the end of the 2026/27 season, although the Seagulls hold an option to extend it by another year.
Talks over fresh terms have continued since before the summer, but the two parties have struggled to reach an agreement. Brighton’s failure to activate the extension has encouraged rival clubs to monitor developments.
Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley knows Ayari’s profile well from his previous role at Brighton. His involvement could help the London club assess a player who has become an important part of Fabian Hürzeler’s midfield.
Ayari has recorded two assists in six Premier League appearances this season. His energetic pressing, forward passing and ability to receive possession between the lines give Brighton a useful route through congested midfield areas. TEAMtalk has reported interest from Galatasaray, while other Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League sides have reportedly made enquiries.
Galatasaray view the Swede as a possible alternative to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Chelsea, meanwhile, have previous experience recruiting from Brighton, having signed players including Marc Cucurella and Moisés Caicedo.
Would Ayari give Alonso something different in midfield?
Ayari would offer Chelsea a different profile from Lavia rather than simply duplicate his responsibilities. Lavia prefers to receive possession deeper, protect the centre and help his team progress through controlled passing. Ayari can operate higher as an energetic number eight, carry the ball into advanced areas and find attacking players through narrow passing lanes.
That is very important in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1. Caicedo could provide defensive cover while Ayari supports the build-up and releases Palmer or Rogers between the lines. His movement could help Chelsea maintain pressure after losing possession, although he would need to prove he can handle the physical demands and tactical discipline of a title-chasing side.
Chelsea should assess the financial terms carefully. Ayari reportedly earns around £8,000–£10,000 per week, according to TEAMtalk’s September reporting, but that figure may not reflect his current demands. No reliable fee has been confirmed, so a specific valuation would be premature.
If Brighton cannot secure a new agreement, Chelsea could find an opportunity to recruit a 23-year-old international without committing to a record transfer. Yet Brighton retain the option to extend his contract, and their own ambitions give them strong reasons to keep him.
For Chelsea, Ayari makes sense if Alonso wants a midfielder who advances play rather than another specialist sitting in front of the defence. The key question is whether the club sees him as a regular starter or a developing option who can earn that role over time.
