Chelsea Set to Pursue AC Milan Star for Midfield Depth | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Tijjani Reijnders as Summer Signing to Strengthen Midfield

Chelsea’s pursuit of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is gathering pace, as the Blues look to bolster their squad for the 2025/26 season. With Enzo Maresca’s side facing several challenges in midfield, the club is eager to add depth and quality to this area of the pitch. Reijnders, a promising talent, has emerged as a top target for Chelsea, with the club having already made contact with Milan to inquire about his availability.

Chelsea’s Midfield Need

Chelsea’s midfield has been a significant talking point this season. Moises Caicedo, despite his brilliance, has been relied upon heavily due to injuries to Romeo Lavia, who has struggled to maintain fitness. While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Mathis Amougou are part of the squad, it is expected that Dewsbury-Hall will be sold in the summer, and Amougou will likely head out on loan. This leaves Chelsea with a gap in midfield that they are eager to fill.

Photo: IMAGO

TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea have identified Reijnders as an ideal replacement for Dewsbury-Hall, someone who can not only provide cover for Caicedo but also challenge Enzo Fernandez and Lavia for starting spots. Chelsea’s interest in Reijnders comes at a time when Milan is facing financial struggles, and the club’s position in Serie A—ninth place—means they risk missing out on European competition, potentially leading to a fire sale of key assets.

Milan’s Financial Woes and Reijnders’ Availability

Milan’s financial situation is increasingly precarious. With a significant loss of revenue looming due to their failure to qualify for European competition, the club may be forced to sell some of their top players. This includes players like Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Reijnders. Milan have tied Reijnders to a new contract, but there is still uncertainty surrounding his future at the club, with Chelsea’s interest now intensifying.

TEAMtalk also mentions that while Milan have secured a new deal for the Netherlands international until 2030, the club might still struggle to retain him if they are not playing in Europe next season. Chelsea, with their strong relationship with Milan—built on previous transfers such as Joao Felix, Fikayo Tomori, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek—are in a good position to negotiate a deal for Reijnders.

Competition for Reijnders

Chelsea, however, are not alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old. Manchester City and Barcelona have reportedly shown interest in the player as well. But as TEAMtalk points out, it is Chelsea who have taken the first step by making contact with Milan to gauge Reijnders’ availability and price. This early move could give the Blues a crucial advantage in the race for his signature.

Photo: IMAGO

Milan’s willingness to sell at a reasonable price will be key. While they have set a new contract for Reijnders to strengthen their bargaining power, his desire to play in the Champions League could lead to a situation where Milan is forced to sell at a lower price than they would have hoped. If that is the case, Chelsea could potentially secure a bargain in the summer.

Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy

Reijnders’ versatility makes him an appealing option for Chelsea. Not only can he play in a defensive midfield role alongside Caicedo, but his technical ability allows him to contribute further up the pitch, offering Maresca more tactical flexibility. Given the issues Chelsea have faced with injuries and squad depth, signing Reijnders would be an astute move.

With Milan potentially in financial trouble, Chelsea could look to capitalise on the situation. Adding Reijnders would give Maresca a dynamic and energetic presence in the midfield, helping the Blues challenge for top honours next season.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders marks a critical point in their ongoing squad evolution. As the club looks to strengthen for the future, Reijnders represents both immediate quality and long-term potential. While the competition for his signature is fierce, Chelsea’s proactive approach and strong ties with Milan may give them the upper hand. If they can secure the Dutch midfielder, it would be a key addition to their already promising midfield setup.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The news of Chelsea pursuing Tijjani Reijnders is encouraging, albeit not entirely surprising. For months now, it’s been clear that their midfield is lacking depth and balance. Moises Caicedo, while brilliant, has been overburdened with responsibility, especially given Romeo Lavia’s injury woes. Enzo Fernandez is undoubtedly talented, but he needs the right partner in midfield to excel, and the addition of someone like Reijnders could bring the much-needed energy and creativity.

What excites us the most is Reijnders’ versatility. He’s capable of playing in several midfield roles, which is essential for a squad like ours, where rotation and flexibility will be key next season. The fact that he has already proven himself in Serie A with Milan, alongside his experience with the Netherlands, makes him an excellent candidate to improve Chelsea’s midfield.

This is an opportunity for Chelsea to build for the future. If we manage to land Reijnders, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Chelsea’s midfield. We’ve seen what he can do in a high-pressure environment, and now it’s time for him to shine in the Premier League.