Chelsea make surprise Renato Sanches approach before transfer decision

Chelsea explored a surprise move for Renato Sanches after failing to complete their preferred midfield deals before the summer transfer deadline.

The Blues contacted the 29-year-old after he became a free agent following the termination of his Paris Saint-Germain contract on September 1.

However, despite considering the Portugal international as an immediate solution, Chelsea have now decided not to progress with the move, with Xabi Alonso prepared to trust his existing midfield options.

Chelsea's midfield underwent significant changes during the summer.

Valentín Barco and Jordan Henderson arrived, while Enzo Fernández completed a deadline-day transfer to Manchester City.

The Blues also attempted to strengthen further by targeting Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma's Manu Koné, but neither move materialised before the English transfer window closed.

That forced Chelsea to consider the free-agent market.

Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum emerged as one possibility, with Chelsea making contact over a potential move. However, that option disappeared when the 35-year-old joined Al-Ittihad.

Attention then shifted towards Sanches.

Sanches became immediately available after ending his contract with PSG, meaning Chelsea could sign him despite the domestic transfer window having already closed.

According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea officials believed the former Benfica and Bayern Munich midfielder satisfied several requirements.

Most importantly, he was immediately available and already possessed significant experience at the highest level.

Chelsea subsequently made what has been described as a "surprise approach" to explore whether a deal could be completed.

However, those discussions will not lead to a transfer.

Chelsea have decided against advancing negotiations with Sanches after reviewing their existing midfield options.

Alonso has publicly indicated that he believes there is already enough quality and competition within his squad to navigate the season.

"We have several options and we need to find the right balance," the Chelsea manager said.

"We believe we have the quality and competitiveness necessary for the entire season and to face every opponent."

That stance appears to have ended Chelsea's immediate search for another midfielder.

It means Sanches remains available as a free agent and continues to attract interest elsewhere in Europe's major leagues.

For Chelsea, meanwhile, Alonso will now have to find the right midfield combination from the players already at Stamford Bridge following Fernández's departure.

Chelsea are expected to move forward with their current midfield rather than sign another free agent immediately.

That puts greater emphasis on Alonso finding the right balance following Fernández's departure, particularly with new arrivals Barco and Henderson among his options.

Sanches, meanwhile, remains without a club. With interest reportedly coming from Europe's top five leagues, the Portuguese midfielder could still secure a new team despite Chelsea deciding against taking their approach any further.