Chelsea look to add strong Premier League midfielder?

Chelsea have targeted a surprise move for Queens Park Rangers’ midfielder Stephane Mbia, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The Cameroonian impressed in QPR’s surprise 1-0 win over the Blues last week at Stamford Bridge. Harry Redknapp is thought to refuse such a sale unless his club complete the signing of Yann M’Vila.

The R’s are the bookmakers favourites to sign M’Vila, ahead of London rivals Spurs, and are likely to further discussions with Rennes this week,

Chelsea have been linked with moves for defensive midfield cover, with John Obi Mikel missing a possible 6 weeks at the African Cup of Nations, which starts this weekend.

I do not believe Mbia is a likely target however. Having 2 defensive midfielders from Africa could leave Chelsea short every January when the African Cup of Nations is played. Mbia’s international team may not have qualified this year, but generally do.

If Chelsea were still in the hunt for a defensive midfielder, then Paulinho or Marouane Fellaini would be high on their list, with both players being heavily linked with the club in the past 6 months. I would be very surprised if there had been any truth in the Mbia reports…