Chelsea have been advised to consider Brighton midfielder Chema Andres ahead of Yasin Ayari as head coach Xabi Alonso evaluates potential additions to his squad before the January transfer window.

According to Football London on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Chelsea have entered the race alongside Galatasaray to sign Ayari, whose uncertain contract situation at Brighton could make him an attractive option for interested clubs.

The Sweden international has played a significant role in Fabian Hurzeler’s team this season. Brighton have scored 23 Premier League goals, six more than Chelsea, with Ayari contributing two goals to their attacking output.

His current contract is scheduled to expire next summer, although Brighton hold an option to extend the agreement by an additional year. Discussions over a longer-term deal are reportedly continuing but have encountered difficulties, potentially leaving the door open for Chelsea to pursue the midfielder.

Despite the interest in Ayari, the report suggests that Chelsea’s recruitment strategy should focus on securing a more defensively minded central midfielder rather than adding another player primarily suited to attacking positions.

Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system already offers several options in advanced areas, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian. Consequently, strengthening the centre of midfield could provide a more significant improvement to the balance of the squad.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has also been associated with a possible move to Stamford Bridge. However, Andres is emerging as another candidate who could address Chelsea’s need for greater defensive stability alongside Moises Caicedo.

The 21-year-old Spaniard joined Brighton from Stuttgart during the summer and is regarded as a physically imposing midfielder. Standing at 6ft 4in, he could provide additional protection in front of the defence, with his style drawing comparisons to former Chelsea player Nemanja Matic.

Statistics published by Sofascore indicate that Andres has averaged 1.8 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per 90 minutes this season. Ayari, by comparison, has recorded averages of 0.5 tackles and 0.3 interceptions over the same period. Andres has also won 2.3 ground duels per game, compared with Ayari’s 1.8.

Although his defensive contribution is a major attraction, Andres has demonstrated that he can also support attacking moves, registering one goal and one assist this season.

His previous connection with Alonso could provide another reason for Chelsea to consider him. Andres entered Real Madrid’s academy in 2018 at the age of 13, where he was coached by Alonso at Under-14 level.

In an interview with AS, Andres praised Alonso’s exceptional passing technique, recalling how the former midfielder regularly stayed behind after training to practise deliveries to goalkeepers and precise long passes.

Andres explained that the coach sometimes involved the young players in those exercises, although he acknowledged that matching Alonso’s accuracy was extremely difficult.

With Chelsea assessing their midfield requirements, Andres could represent an option that offers physical strength, defensive awareness and familiarity with Alonso’s coaching methods. Whether the club pursues him ahead of Ayari remains uncertain, but the comparison highlights the different qualities Chelsea may prioritise in January.