La Liga midfielder unlikely to join Chelsea despite rumoured interest

Chelsea aren’t in action this weekend following their FA Cup third round defeat against Manchester City earlier this month. 

The Blues’ form has picked up of late after a disastrous run over the festive period, and manager Graham Potter will now have plenty of time to work with his squad ahead of their next Premier League fixture, while the fourth round of the cup takes place.

Chelsea face west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge next Friday, just three weeks after the two sides met at Craven Cottage, with the hosts winning 2-1.

Owner Todd Boehly has been extremely busy so far this month, splashing out on six new signings already.

Wingers Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have arrived to bolster Potter’s attacking options, while forwards David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix have also joined the club.

Young midfielder Andrey Santos and Benoit Badiashile complete The Blues’ list of new arrivals, but they look likely to add more new faces before the window shuts.

A midfielder is believed to be a priority for the club, although they are reportedly set to miss out on one of their top targets.

According to Sport via Football London, Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is set to stay put in Catalonia, despite interest from the Premier League club.

Kessie is set to stay put in Catalunya for the remainder of the season

It is claimed that Chelsea had shown an interest in the Ivory Coast international, who has struggled to establish himself as a regular since moving to Spain.

The midfielder joined the La Liga last summer side following the expiry of his contract at former side AC Milan, but he has only started two league matches so far.

Despite his lack of game time, the Ivorian is reportedly set to stay put in Spain until at least the end of the current season.

During his time in Milan, Kessie established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A, making more than 220 appearances for the club across a five-year spell.

The Blues are in need of at least one midfielder, with both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante set to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Mateo Kovacic’s recent injury record will also worry Potter, and Chelsea have therefore already shown an interest in a number of midfielders including Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.