Chelsea to Discuss €100 Million Star in November, Aim to Complete Deal Before January 1

Chelsea are preparing to complete a €100 million signing before January 1 next year, with Real Madrid attacking midfielder Arda Guler as their target. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea's senior officials plan to start negotiations in November.

A notable aspect of this potential deal is the relationship between the key figures: Chelsea's current head coach is former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, and Guler has a clear connection with Alonso. The report believes this relationship could play an important role in any transfer battle.

Why Guler

Guler is a Turkey international and currently plays for Real Madrid. The report states that he has performed well at Real Madrid, but it is currently unclear how important a role he will continue to play under new manager Mourinho.

There were previous reports that Arsenal were interested in Guler, but because Real Madrid wanted to keep him this summer, the matter ultimately went no further.

The reported reason for Chelsea's urgency to make a major midfield signing is that they lost Enzo Fernandez late in the summer window, with the player moving to Manchester City. This was a blow for the team, so Chelsea are clearly eager to complete a significant midfield acquisition.

How realistic is this deal

The report itself also warns that this news should be viewed with some caution. Even if Chelsea are indeed looking for a player like Guler and the idea makes logical sense, the summer transfer window has only just closed, and there is currently no indication that Guler will leave the Bernabeu.

Chelsea may indeed be looking for such a signing in the market, but securing a star of Guler's level midway through the season appears unlikely.

The report also points out that Real Madrid usually do not sell major first-team stars, which makes the deal even more difficult.

Chelsea's other midfield options

If the Guler route does not work out, the report listed other players Chelsea may consider:

Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace — The Guardian recently linked Chelsea with him.

Alex Scott of Bournemouth — The report believes he is also worth considering.

Roma midfielder Manu Kone — Simon Phillips said Chelsea have had long-term interest in him.

The report analyzes that Chelsea would clearly have a greater chance of success by signing players from smaller clubs.

It should be emphasized that the news regarding Guler remains at the rumor stage, and the original report also clearly recommends treating it with caution. Whether Chelsea will actually sit down for negotiations in November, and whether Real Madrid would be willing to let him leave midway through the season, remain unknown.