Chelsea are eyeing Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, looking to add depth in midfield after the recent exit of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
The 27-year-old Mac Allister has two years left on his contract, meaning Liverpool are under no immediate pressure to sell. However, the player is reportedly unhappy that the club has yet to offer him a new deal.
This situation is particularly striking given the recent contract renewals for both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch earlier this year.
In recent weeks, Mac Allister has returned to the starting lineup for manager Andoni Iraola, featuring in three of Liverpool's five Premier League matches. Yet, the lack of progress on contract discussions may lead the Argentine to consider his options.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Chelsea could be an attractive destination for the midfielder:
Everyone speaks highly of Alexis Mac Allister at Liverpool and beyond.
He might not be the kind of player who starts every single week. He has his off periods, but he’s someone every manager would love to have in their squad.
Brown added:
If Liverpool don’t intend to offer him a new contract, and the player is making this known publicly, the club may decide that a sale is the best option.
When looking at teams that might be interested, Chelsea would definitely be among them. I believe he fits well with their needs.
Xabi Alonso is eager to bolster his midfield in January. On the final day of the summer transfer window, Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million and failed to find an adequate replacement.
According to Brown, Mac Allister's experience in the English game makes him an ideal candidate for the Blues:
They need a new midfielder after losing Enzo Fernandez. Mac Allister fits the bill in many ways — he brings tenacity and aggression to the field.
Furthermore, his extensive Premier League experience is crucial, especially for a player coming in mid-season. So, I can easily see this transfer happening.
However, a move in January remains a possibility rather than a certainty. Liverpool could still extend Mac Allister's contract, and no formal negotiations or offers from Chelsea have been reported as yet.
