Chelsea are closely monitoring Athletic Bilbao talent Mikel Jauregizar as part of their long-term rebuild.
Mikel Jauregizar on Chelsea target list
Chelsea’s midfield may already have Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, but the cracks in depth have been clearly visible. That is leaving Enzo Maresca short of options. This is when Mikel Jauregizar comes in.
Jauregizar has been one of the best players in La Liga lately. He plays with calmness and is hard working. He’s played UCL football this season which can only help the reputation he’s building for himself.
As per Fichajes, Chelsea are preparing talks for a deal in 2026 for the Bilbao player. The Blues view him as both competition and cover for their current midfield duo.
Blues weighing multiple midfield options
Jauregizar isn’t the only one on Chelsea’s scouting list. The club has also been linked with Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Both are highly rated in their own right. Still, the Bilbao star might be the smarter play financially. Athletic Bilbao will unlikely ask the same fee Madrid would for Camavinga.
Athletic will work hard to keep him. They just did that recently with Nico Williams, but English clubs tend to test their resolve sooner or later. Chelsea aims to build a youthful squad with the capability to challenge for titles over a period of time.
Jauregizar’s next stop may be at Bridge, or he could remain loyal to Bilbao. But, he is certainly a name to watch, as he will start writing the next chapter of the transfer saga.
Author’s Opinion:
Jauregizar feels like a Chelsea-style signing. He is young, talented, and with a name that fits their project. But the question remains if they truly need another midfielder or if fixing other areas should take priority.
