Chelsea Consider January Transfer for James McAtee as Playmaker Plans Take Shape

Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing a new playmaker in January, with Nottingham Forest midfielder James McAtee emerging as a potential target just six months after his move away from Manchester City.

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Palmer Success Shows the Blueprint

Chelsea famously struck gold when they signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City two-and-a-half years ago. While City were reluctant to lose him, Palmer pushed for the move after it became clear that regular first-team opportunities at the Etihad were unlikely.

The decision has since been vindicated emphatically. Palmer is now regarded as one of England’s most effective attacking players, and the £42.5 million fee Chelsea paid is widely viewed as one of the Premier League’s smartest deals in recent memory.

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Buonanotte Struggles to Make an Impact

Not every creative acquisition has followed that same trajectory. Last summer, Chelsea unexpectedly brought in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton as short-term cover in attacking midfield.

While the Argentine clearly has talent, his impact has been minimal. Buonanotte has made just one Premier League appearance and has often been left out of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squads, suggesting he has struggled to convince the head coach.

With no option to buy included in the deal, Chelsea may be open to cutting the loan short in January if an alternative solution becomes available.

Also read. Chelsea Target New Centre-Back and Midfielder in 2026 Rebuild Plans

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James McAtee Emerges as a January Option

Despite already having several No.10-type options — including Estevao, with João Pedro also capable of operating centrally — Chelsea are now said to be monitoring James McAtee’s situation at Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old joined Forest from Manchester City last summer in a deal that could rise to £30 million, but his career has stalled since the move. McAtee has featured sparingly under multiple managers and has accumulated just 428 minutes across all competitions this season.

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Growing Competition for His Signature

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are one of five clubs considering a January move for McAtee. The Blues face competition from Leeds United, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Sunderland, all of whom believe the midfielder could benefit from a fresh start and consistent minutes.

Whether Chelsea decide to push ahead may depend on how Maresca views McAtee’s fit within his tactical framework — and whether Buonanotte’s loan spell is cut short to make room.

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A Familiar Gamble for Chelsea?

The parallels with Palmer’s exit from Manchester City are obvious, though expectations would be more cautious this time around. Still, Chelsea’s willingness to explore creative-market opportunities suggests they remain alert to players whose careers have stalled — but whose potential may yet be unlocked in the right environment.