Chelsea monitor Mainoo situation at Manchester United ahead of January transfer window
Chelsea are closely watching developments around Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United as they look for possible solutions to their midfield concerns ahead of the January transfer window.
Sources at Stamford Bridge indicate that the club is actively assessing the market, with worries that they could be left short of options in central midfield. While there is an understanding that January may not offer an easy fix to their issues, Chelsea remain open to the right opportunity if it can strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.
At present, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are required to play almost every game when fit. Ongoing injury problems involving Romeo Lavia and Dário Essugo have added to the challenge as the club evaluates its chances of competing for trophies this campaign.
Reece James has filled in effectively when used in midfield, but internally the club accepts that longer term solutions are still being explored, particularly with an eye on opportunities that could arise in 2026.
Chelsea, like several other clubs, are admirers of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. However, Mainoo is viewed as a potentially more realistic option should his situation at United change.
Manchester United’s current position is that they do not intend to allow Mainoo to leave in January. That stance could be reviewed if the club succeeds in bringing in another midfielder, which would then open the door to possible interest from elsewhere.
If Mainoo does become available, Chelsea are believed to see it as an opportunity that would be difficult to ignore. The club have followed his progress for some time and feel they could be well placed to make a move, similar to the route taken previously by Alejandro Garnacho.
A deal of this nature could also help ease internal pressure at Chelsea, where head coach Enzo Maresca has faced increasing scrutiny in recent weeks. The Italian has been open about his frustrations and recently spoke of enduring the toughest two days of his time at the club before their 2–0 victory over Everton.
Those comments were widely seen as a pointed message towards the club’s owners and sporting directors, with the coach believed to feel a lack of full backing from senior decision makers.
Although Chelsea usually use January to focus on signing young players for the future, the window is often unpredictable. With that in mind, the club are keeping their options open as they prepare for what could be another busy period in the market.
