Chelsea are starting to take shape under the new ownership of opulent American businessman Todd Boehly, with the summer spending spree now spilling over into the winter market.

Having parted with approximately £259m during the entirety of the 2022/23 term, Chelsea are now looking to add a few more names to the fold of genuine star quality in order to assist an ascension to the very front of the Premier League pack.

According to The Times, Graham Potter has identified Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a shrewd alternative to Enzo Fernandez, who has been earmarked by technical director Christopher Vivell ahead of a prospective move during the ongoing January transfer window.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted to confirm Chelsea's advancing progress in their pursuit of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar's Best Young Player Fernandez, though the SL Benfica board are still yet to grant a departure.

Romano said: “Chelsea and Benfica will hold new direct talks today for Enzo Fernandez. The deal is advanced as reported last week, but Rui Costa's final approval is still pending - as key step to get it done.

“Enzo has agreed terms with Chelsea last Wednesday. He wants the move.”

“Golden boy”

If a late stumbling block proves to throw a spanner in the works, Fernandez's compatriot and fellow World Cup winner Mac Allister could prove to be a fine acquisition indeed.

With reports that Chelsea will have to meet Fernandez's £106m release clause, consideration should be made in regard to Brighton & Hove Albion's midfield maestro, who is reportedly available for roughly €40m (£35m).

As per Sofascore, Fernandez recorded a rating of 7.10 in Qatar, impressing from his creative role in the centre, while the dynamic Mac Allister recorded a rating of 7.05, equally demonstrating his aptitude through his all-encompassing work on the pitch.

And in the Premier League, the £48k-per-week gem's exploits have been even more fruitful, with his five goals from 14 league appearances a large part behind his club's fantastic efforts as they sit very much in the mix for a European spot at the front of the table.

The 14-cap ace's rating of 7.34 in the Premier League this term are largely down to his robust performances, averaging 1.9 shots per match, making 0.9 key passes and completing an impressive 89% of his total passes.

And his 3.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions have also gone a long way to maintaining Albion's commendable status as an established top-flight team despite losing lauded manager Graham Potter to Chelsea near the start of the campaign.

Hailed as Brighton's "golden boy" by content creator Ryan Adsett, Mac Allister could transfer that aura to Chelsea, and while the Blues might be interested in Fernandez, his compatriot down the road could bring every bit the calibre to the ambitious outfit for a portion of the price.