KEY POINTS

  • Chelsea want to sign a central midfielder in January
  • Ruben Neves is on Chelsea's target list
  • Neves' contract with Wolves is in effect until 2024

Chelsea could reportedly sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves to solve their growing issues in the midfield under Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel wants to address his midfield issues during the January transfer window. Tuchel is impressed with Neves' recent performances in the Premier League and wants the Portuguese midfielder on his squad for the second half of the 2021-22 season, reported Spanish publication Todo Fichajes.

Chelsea signed central midfielder Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2021. However, the Spaniard has failed to convince Tuchel of the limited opportunities he has so far been given this term. He has managed to bag only five games in the Premier League, out of which, he featured only twice in the starting XI. Overall, Niguez has made 13 appearances for Chelsea across competitions this season.

Apart from him, all of Tuchel's regular midfielders — N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Matteo Kovacic — have suffered injuries at some stage this season, leading to Chelsea's recent downfall in the league. Chelsea are six points behind leaders Manchester City and three behind second-placed Liverpool.

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has also asked Chelsea to sign Neves as he believes the Blues are currently missing a top-class midfielder and Neves is the solution for the same.

"I think Chelsea are missing a [Ruben] Neves. I think they are missing a player who can spray the ball around the pitch," Merson said in a recent interview as per HITC.

Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers Getty Images | Catherine Ivill

Neves has played a pivotal role in Wolves' improved performances under new head coach Bruno Lage. Wolves are currently placed eighth in the 2021-22 Premier League table with 25 points after 18 games. Wolves spoiled Tuchel's title race even further as they held the Blues at a goalless draw in the Premier League Saturday.

Though Wolves may not willing to sell Neves, a lucrative offer could certainly help their case. Wolves will only begin negotiations for Neves if the offer is around $51 million or more, according to the Todo Fichajes report.

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