Chelsea's plans to strengthen their midfield could face a potential stumbling block, with the January transfer window just weeks away.

The Blues currently sit fifth in the Premier League after 10 matches, and new manager Xabi Alonso has had to tinker with his squad due to numerous injuries.

At the beginning of the season, midfield star Moises Caicedo was nursing a calf injury, which kept the Ecuador international out of four of Chelsea's first five matches.

Jordan Henderson was another midfielder unavailable to Alonso until after the first international break, having recovered from a hand injury sustained following England's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.

Injuries to striker Joao Pedro and captain Reece James have been other setbacks the Spaniard has had to deal with. However, following the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for a British-record £125 million and Chelsea's failed deadline-day attempt to secure Monaco's Lamine Camara, the midfield has become an area of weakness for Alonso's side.

That weakness may continue if the latest developments surrounding Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott are anything to go by.

According to The Telegraph, Bournemouth intend to resist offers for the 23-year-old this January as the south coast side look to retain their position in European football.

Scott, who is currently working his way back from a knee injury picked up on international duty with Thomas Tuchel's England, has attracted significant interest from the west London side.

The Blues reportedly had at least one £60m offer turned down for the midfielder in the summer and remain keen on the English prospect.

Just last month, reports emerged that Bournemouth may well cash in on Scott if a substantial offer were to arrive. However, the latest change in stance may come as a blow to Alonso's side as Chelsea's search for a midfielder to partner Caicedo and Romeo Lavia continues.

The 23-year-old is highly sought after following an impressive 18 months with Bournemouth. During his time at the club, the Cherries finished in a UEFA Europa League spot in the 2025/26 season and currently sit seventh in the Premier League, just two points behind the Blues.

In Scott's absence, Marco Rose's side have continued to enjoy a strong run of form, winning four consecutive Premier League matches as well as three Europa League games in succession. With results going their way in both competitions, it is understandable why Bournemouth may be reluctant to lose one of their key players midway through the season, particularly as they look to maintain their position in European football.

Chelsea have eight games to play before the January window opens, and if the Blues remain keen on the English international, they may be forced to consider alternative targets if Bournemouth remain unwilling to part ways with their star man.