As Chelsea battled Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 3-1 victory on Monday night, the rumour mill was abuzz. Agents of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho were spotted at Stamford Bridge, sparking speculation about a potential move. This coincides with reports of Chelsea also enquiring about Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

While fans might question the urgency of signing another winger—given the team’s struggles with a shaky goalkeeper and an out-of-form striker—it’s clear Chelsea are thinking ahead. But why is adding another wide player a priority now?

A significant driver for this push is the uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger is under provisional suspension after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. While Mudryk has protested his innocence, Chelsea are bracing for the worst as they await the results of his B sample.

Although Mudryk hasn’t been a standout performer since his £62 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk, he has been a useful squad player, contributing in cup competitions and providing depth off the bench. His potential absence would leave Chelsea short of options, especially on the left wing.

Chelsea’s winger depth is heavily skewed towards the right-hand side. Both Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke prefer playing on the right, even though Neto has occasionally filled in on the left. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho, brought in on loan from Manchester United, is the only experienced right-footed winger capable of playing on the left.

The club recently promoted Tyrique George, an 18-year-old academy graduate, to the senior squad, but it’s clear they don’t yet see him as a first-team regular. George has shown promise with 10 senior appearances this season but has played just six minutes of Premier League football.

Chelsea are trying to strike a balance: they want to nurture young talent without overloading them with pressure. However, with a busy second half of the season ahead, including battles for a top-four Premier League finish and multiple cup competitions, the need for depth and experience is apparent.

Both Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens fit the profile Chelsea are looking for—young, talented, and capable of playing on the left. Garnacho, in particular, could be an easier acquisition, as Manchester United are reportedly open to selling some of their homegrown players to comply with financial rules.

Chelsea’s interest in these players also highlights their intent to upgrade their current options. While Madueke scored against Wolves to take his season tally to seven goals, head coach Enzo Maresca has publicly criticised his consistency and left him out of matchday squads twice this season. Meanwhile, Neto and Sancho have combined for just three goals and six assists in 35 league appearances, which isn’t enough for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions.

Chelsea’s long-term plans include the arrivals of two 17-year-old talents, Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, who are set to join in the summer. However, neither player directly addresses Chelsea’s current need for a left-sided winger. Estevao is left-footed and likely to play on the right or as an attacking midfielder, while Paez is seen as a central player.

With less than two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, Chelsea face a decision. Should they act now to address the imbalance in their squad or wait until the summer? The urgency is heightened by Mudryk’s potential absence, as well as Maresca’s demand for wingers who can score more goals.

Chelsea’s packed schedule in the coming months—including a push for Champions League qualification and campaigns in the FA Cup, Conference League, and Club World Cup—adds further weight to the argument for bolstering their attacking options.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a new winger is more than just a short-term fix. It reflects a broader strategy to ensure depth and versatility across their squad while navigating uncertainties like Mudryk’s situation and developing young talents like George.

Whether they secure Garnacho, Gittens, or another target, it’s clear Chelsea are planning for all contingencies to maintain their competitive edge.