Chelsea are exploring a surprise move for free agent Georginio Wijnaldum as manager Xabi Alonso scrambles to address a midfield shortage following a turbulent transfer window.

The Blues were left fuming after Monaco withdrew from a deal that would have brought Lamine Camara to Stamford Bridge on deadline day. Their options thinned further after the club sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million — a fee that equalled the British transfer record.

Wijnaldum back on the radar

According to reports from Foot Mercato, cited by The Sun, Chelsea have reached out to Wijnaldum, 35, with the prospect of handing him a route back into the Premier League on a short-term contract.

The Dutch midfielder remains available because he departed Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the summer, and free agents are not bound by the standard transfer window deadlines.

Alonso views Wijnaldum as a credible option given his extensive top-flight experience in England. The veteran made 217 appearances in the Premier League during stints with Newcastle United and Liverpool.

A decorated career

Wijnaldum became a firm favourite at Anfield, helping Liverpool to the Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League, the Club World Cup, and the Super Cup.

He then surprised the Merseyside club by rejecting a contract extension and moving to Paris Saint-Germain five years ago.

His most recent chapter at Al-Ettifaq produced 17 goals in 34 appearances last season — a productive return that nonetheless failed to earn him a renewed deal in Saudi Arabia.

Wijnaldum has been without a club since leaving Al-Ettifaq, and Chelsea's interest could offer him the Premier League comeback he has been waiting for — provided personal terms can be agreed.