Chelsea "definitely" want to sign two new midfielders, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the season, and Phillips says the Blues could now bring in a couple of players for the middle of the park as a result.
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Chelsea and Graham Potter are thought to have a few midfielders on their radar right now.
Phillips recently told GIVEMESPORT that they retain an interest in summer target Edson Alvarez, who is expecting the west London club to make a fresh move for him.
GMS has also been informed by transfer reporter Dean Jones that Chelsea are exploring bringing in Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
Understandably, it certainly looks like Chelsea are preparing for life without Kante and Jorginho.
What has Simon Phillips said about Chelsea's midfield situation?
With there being a lot of uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kante and Jorginho, Phillips says Chelsea are ready to sign two new midfielders in the new year.
Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "Chelsea want two new midfielders and they want two new midfielders who specifically can play in the six position, whether that be as a lone defensive midfielder or part of a double pivot, depending on what formation Chelsea line-up with.
"But they definitely want two new midfielders purely because of the situations with contracts with Jorginho and N'Golo Kante. Both at the minute look like they could leave as free agents."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Why have N'Golo Kante and Jorginho not signed new contracts?
When it comes to Kante, it seems that the Frenchman wants a longer deal than the one Chelsea are currently offering.
According to The Athletic, the Blues were ready to hand Kante a new two-year contract, with the option of another 12 months, back in August. However, the player was unwilling to accept that and wanted a longer extension.
As for Jorginho, his wage demands are thought to be the reason behind why he has not put pen to paper on a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
As things stand, then, Chelsea look set to lose both midfielders, who are valued at around £55m by Transfermarkt, next summer.
Alvarez and Lavia appear to be two players who could replace them, though there is still obviously time for Chelsea to reach compromises with Kante and Jorginho, who do seem open to staying at the club but only on their terms as of now.
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