Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches on a free transfer, according to French media outlet Foot Mercato. The English club had been looking for reinforcements in midfield after selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, but failed to secure any new signings on transfer deadline day. Despite talks with Lamine Camara from Monaco and Manu Kone from Roma, both deals fell through, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with fewer options in the middle of the park. Renato Sanches, who previously played in the Premier League with Swansea City, has been without a club since leaving PSG, where he spent the last four years. The 29-year-old Portuguese international joined Paris in 2020 but struggled to make an impact, making just 27 appearances for the Champions League winners. Sanches had been on loan in various clubs across Italy, Portugal, and Greece in recent seasons, and was reportedly interested in joining Alonso’s squad. However, Chelsea have decided not to pursue the move, choosing instead to rely on their current midfield options. Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that the team may be a bit short in midfield following the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. However, he expressed confidence in the squad’s ability, stating, “We have several options and we need to find the right balance. We believe we have the quality and competitiveness necessary for the entire season and to face every opponent.” Despite this, former Manchester United legend Gary Neville suggested the midfield could be a concern, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright also criticized the club’s decision not to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closed. In their match against Arsenal, Chelsea took an early lead through Morgan Rogers, a summer signing, but were pegged back by former player Kai Havertz. Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal in the second half to secure a 2-1 win for Arsenal, ending Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season and moving the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League.