Chelsea have turned their attention towards the free-agent market after a dramatic conclusion to their summer transfer window.
The Blues sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for a joint British record £125 million fee after a summer-long transfer saga.
Chelsea then attempted to replace the Argentine midfielder by striking a £47 million agreement with Monaco for Lamine Camara.
However, Monaco pulled out of the proposed transfer shortly before the deadline, leaving Xabi Alonso without the planned midfield addition.
The English transfer window has now closed, but Chelsea can still recruit players who became free agents before the deadline.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea have contacted former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum over a possible move.
The 35-year-old became a free agent following his departure from Al-Ettifaq, allowing Chelsea to sign him without paying a transfer fee.
Furthermore, the Blues reportedly view Wijnaldum as one of their options to strengthen Alonso’s midfield following the failed Camara transfer.
Chelsea are considering offering the Netherlands international a short-term contract to provide additional midfield depth for the current campaign.
Wijnaldum would also bring extensive Premier League experience after previously representing Newcastle United and Liverpool before later joining Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder arrives on the market following a productive campaign with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
He registered 17 goals and seven assists across 34 appearances last season, making a significant attacking contribution from midfield.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have started the Premier League campaign with consecutive victories under Alonso despite their late transfer complications.
The Blues opened with a 3–2 away victory over Fulham before beating Brighton & Hove Albion 4–3 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea therefore have six points from their opening two league fixtures, with Arsenal providing their next Premier League opposition.
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