Chelsea are reportedly preparing to open formal talks to sign promising Spanish midfielder Mikel Jauregizar from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, as the Premier League giants continue their rebuild under the club’s long-term project.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the 21-year-old talent has been added to Chelsea’s shortlist as a potential reinforcement for their midfield. The Blues are seeking fresh energy and creativity in the center of the park, and Jauregizar has emerged as one of the standout young options available in the European market.
Rising Star of Athletic Bilbao
Jauregizar joined Athletic Bilbao’s famed academy system in 2021, a club well known for its philosophy of developing Basque talents. He steadily worked his way up through the youth ranks before breaking into Ernesto Valverde’s senior squad.
Over the past two seasons, he has established himself as a vital figure for the Basque side. Last season alone, Jauregizar featured in 48 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His consistency, vision, and versatility in midfield earned praise not only in Spain but also from scouts across Europe.
His contributions were crucial in helping Athletic secure a top-four finish in La Liga, which guaranteed them a return to the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, the team made a strong run to the Europa League semifinals, with Jauregizar playing an important role throughout.
One of his most memorable highlights came at Old Trafford, where he scored a spectacular goal against Manchester United, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure games on the biggest stage.
Why Chelsea Are Interested
Chelsea’s midfield currently relies heavily on the duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. While both are high-profile signings, manager Enzo Maresca and the club’s recruitment team are aware of the need for more depth and balance, especially with the club competing in multiple competitions next season.
Top targets such as Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) remain on Chelsea’s radar, but both are expected to command transfer fees exceeding £60–70 million, making them difficult deals to close.
In comparison, Jauregizar represents a far more affordable solution. Transfermarkt values the Spanish midfielder at around £26 million, even though he is under a long-term six-year contract with Athletic. This valuation makes him an appealing option for Chelsea, who continue to focus on recruiting young talents with long-term potential.
The Challenge Ahead
Securing Jauregizar will not be straightforward. Athletic Bilbao have a well-documented reputation for holding firm on their best players, especially local talents who embody the club’s Basque-only identity. They are reluctant sellers, which means Chelsea would need either a large transfer fee or a favorable contractual negotiation to tempt the Spanish club into letting him go.
Despite this, Chelsea have shown in recent windows that they are capable of navigating complex deals. The club previously secured the signings of Christopher Nkunku, Geovany Quenda, and Emanuel Emegha through pre-contract agreements, proving their flexibility and persistence in the transfer market.
A Long-Term Asset for Stamford Bridge
As a deep-lying playmaker with exceptional technical ability, composure, and vision, Jauregizar is seen as a player who can thrive in the Premier League with the right development. His profile aligns perfectly with Chelsea’s long-term strategy of building a squad centered around young, talented players who can peak together in the coming years.
If the deal goes through, Chelsea will not only gain a highly skilled midfielder but also secure an asset capable of growing into a cornerstone of their midfield alongside Caicedo and Enzo.
The big question now is whether Chelsea will move quickly with a concrete offer to bring Jauregizar to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming summer transfer window. With competition heating up in the Premier League and the need for squad depth growing, this could prove to be a pivotal signing for the Blues’ future.
ALSO READ :
