Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has made a questionable admission regarding a midfield transfer this summer despite a heavy defeat to Leeds United and the Blues' interest in Frenkie de Jong.
On Sunday afternoon, Tuchel's side put in a frankly embarrassing performance that saw them suffer a 3-0 loss against Jesse Marsch's team highlighting the need for improvements this summer.
The German opted to start with a midfield pivot of Jorginho and Conor Gallagher, a decision he was largely forced into due to injuries.
While both are quality options that should be regular figures in the side this season, the midfield felt non-existent at Elland Road.
The aggressive and attacking nature of Gallagher did not compliment Jorginho's slow and steady style as the Blues were torn apart by the Yorkshire side.
Tuchel did try and shift things around in the second half, averting from his opening plan but there was hardly any improvement.
The only recognised central midfielder to bring off the bench was Carney Chukwuemeka, who is yet to play a minute for the first team.
Highlighting just how few options the Blues have to rotate in that role.
With the lack of depth in this position at the moment, you would feel as though the west London side would be scrambling around in the closing weeks of the transfer window to add another option.
Following the match however, Tuchel was asked as to whether he felt the Blues needed another midfielder.
He responded: "Another midfielder? We have Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic.
"They're (Kante and Kovacic) injured, yes, it's a problem. But they will come back. They've not disappeared."
While they will indeed come back, Tuchel has to be slightly concerned at the lack of choice he has at the current time.
Both Kante and Kovacic have suffered injuries consistently under his reign and if either of them pick up something more serious, you would think another option at his disposal would be vital.
When you consider these players have already picked up injuries at this stage of the season, it is worrying to think what the Blues could be facing at the latter end of the year.
With Champions League football and other competitions making the fixture list more demanding as well, the more depth you have the better.
What makes this all the more baffling a statement is that Chelsea have been showing a lot of interest in acquiring the signature of Barcelona's De Jong this window.
Manchester United were thought to be leading the race for him much earlier on this window, but Stamford Bridge is reportedly the only place would go should he leave Barcelona.
Does this suggest if the Blues were to sign the Dutchman, it is a choice solely from the owners opposed to the German? It is certainly a strange admission to have made, especially after the painful defeat his side has just been handed.
Another factor to consider is that while Jorginho is reported to be discussing a new contract with the club, both his and Kante's contracts are set to expire next summer.
If a signing is not made soon, a huge amount of business will have to be done next year so it would make sense to get a move over the line now and have a player adjust to life in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen as to whether a central midfielder will be acquired before the end of the window, but a new face could be exactly what Chelsea need.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Leeds United, Frenkie De Jong
Sam Collins