Chelsea are interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes after becoming frustrated by a lack of progress in their move for Moises Caicedo.
Brighton rejected an improved £80million bid for Caicedo last week and value the Ecuador international at over £100m.
Caicedo wants to move to Stamford Bridge but Brighton are not willing to lower their asking price and Chelsea are considering alternative options.
Mauricio Pochettino has a lack of depth in central midfield and worked with Paredes at PSG.
The 29-year-old, who won the World Cup with Argentina last year, is in the last year of his contract in Paris and is available at a reasonable price.
Paredes is not the profile of player normally targeted by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership but Pochettino is keen to add experience to his squad ahead of the new season.
Conor Gallagher could still leave Chelsea and, if he departs, the Blues are likely to want to sign two new midfielders.
Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, Leeds United’s Tyler Adams and Everton’s Amadou Onana are possible targets, along with a more attacking option in Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
Chelsea are closing in on the double signing of Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for £25m and Monaco defender Axel Disasi for £38.6m.
They are also considering a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as they weigh up whether to boost their forward options.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe but it is understood a move for the PSG star has been ruled out.
There is a feeling PSG are trying to drag a big Premier League team into a political battle between them and Real Madrid over Mbappe.
