Chelsea are monitoring Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel ahead of the January transfer window as a potential alternative target, according to Sportsmole. The 22-year-old has caught the attention of Premier League clubs after an impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign following return loan spells with Sparta Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Chelsea Target Feyenoord Midfielder Following Failed Deadline-Day Deal
Zechiel’s energy, ball progression, technical ability, mobility, and attacking output have drawn interest, with Premier League champions Arsenal also in the mix. Zechiel has started all seven Eredivisie matches and registered five goals and four assists, bringing his total to nine direct goal contributions. Lille tested Feyenoord’s stance during the summer with several approaches, culminating in a €17m (£14.5m) offer including bonuses that was rejected. Feyenoord has reportedly suggested a €30m (£26m) valuation for the player. While that figure represents a significant increase from Lille’s rejected bid, it could offer a cheaper alternative to other targets.
The Collapse of the Lamine Camara Transfer
Chelsea’s look toward alternative options follows the dramatic breakdown of their pursuit of AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara on transfer deadline day. According to Yahoo Sports, Chelsea were left fuming after Monaco dramatically pulled the plug on the deal late on deadline day.
The transfer had progressed to the point where a written club-to-club agreement was in place, and Camara had undergone a medical and agreed to a six-year contract. Monaco had agreed to sell the 22-year-old Senegal international for £47m after Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton initially stalled. However, Monaco subsequently renegotiated Balogun’s switch to Everton at the last minute and cancelled the Camara agreement. The transfer fell apart completely when Balogun ultimately turned down the move to Everton shortly after midnight.
The failed deal left Stamford Bridge officials with no time to secure a replacement for Enzo Fernández, who was sold to Manchester City for £125m. Consequently, Chelsea finished the window without replacing Fernández, leaving manager FootballTransfers noting the club must make do with a midfield roster consisting of Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, and Jordan Henderson until January. In addition to Camara, Chelsea had also shown interest on deadline day in Roma’s Manu Koné and an unnamed Premier League player.
Future Outlook for Camara and Zechiel
Monaco boss Filipe Luis addressed the fallout from the failed transfer, noting that the situation may have affected the player’s mindset FootballTransfers. Luis described Camara as a special person and a special kid, adding that all the big clubs will come for him if he maintains his level. Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro also expressed confidence that the player will have even better options and offers in the future.
Camara has played the entire 90 minutes in all four of Monaco’s matches this season. Meanwhile, competition for his signature is expected to persist into 2027, with Liverpool among the clubs tipped to challenge for the midfielder. For Chelsea, evaluating options such as Feyenoord’s Zechiel at a £26m valuation provides a potential path forward to reinforce their midfield as the winter window approaches.