Chelsea have reportedly identified a former Fulham midfielder as a potential summer transfer target.
The Blues are currently focused on finishing in the top five of the Premier League table and lifting the Conference League trophy at the end of the season.
However, having failed to maintain a title challenge this campaign and with an inexperienced squad at Enzo Maresca's disposal, plans are already being formulated with regards to how to strengthen the senior ranks for 2025-26.
Adding at least one central midfielder may be on the list of priorities, even with Andrey Santos due to be integrated into the squad after starring on loan at Strasbourg.
According to Area Napoli, Chelsea are giving serious consideration to handing a Napoli player a return to West London.
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Surprise midfielder chase in the offing?
The report suggests that Chelsea officials are preparing to open discussions regarding a potential deal for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
In August 2018, Fulham shelled out £30m to sign the Cameroon international from Marseille, but he would go on to make just 46 starts and 16 substitute outings across a four-year stint at Craven Cottage.
However, his reputation was kept intact during loan stints at the likes of Villarreal and Napoli before the latter paid £12m to sign the now-29-year-old on a permanent basis.
Since having first represented the Italian giants in 2021, Anguissa has contributed 11 goals and 18 assists from 149 appearances, currently aiding Napoli's bid to win the Serie A title for a second time during his stay.
As per the report, though, there is an increasing possibility of a transfer in the summer with sporting director Giovanni Manna said to have travelled to London to hold talks over his future.
Anguissa has allegedly already informed Manna that he wishes to explore a move during the next transfer window, Napoli open to a sale in the region of €20m (£17m) to €25m (£21.3m).
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A logical move?
While most Chelsea fans will be surprised to see their club linked with Anguissa, this is not the player who did not make a lasting impression up the King's Road.
At 29 years of age, Anguissa would become the oldest senior player at Stamford Bridge should he move there, while he would add solidity in the engine room.
Furthermore, Romeo Lavia is yet to prove that he can stay fit for a prolonged period, and Anguissa would provide competition to the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and the returning Santos.
Darren Plant
