The London club had considered the 29-year-old Portugal international as possible cover after Enzo Fernandez completed his move to Manchester City.
Chelsea failed to reinforce Xabi Alonso’s midfield on transfer deadline day following Fernandez’s departure, having previously explored moves for Lamine Camara of Monaco and Manu Kone of Roma.
Both deals ultimately collapsed, leaving Chelsea with limited options in midfield. Reece James and Malo Gusto were both deployed in the position during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The Blues also reportedly considered former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum after the transfer window had closed, but the veteran instead joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea subsequently looked at the possibility of signing Sanches, who became a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the club ultimately decided not to pursue a deal and will instead rely on their existing midfield options for the remainder of the campaign.
Sanches began his career at Benfica before joining Bayern Munich in 2016. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain and made 27 appearances for the French side after joining the club, while also spending recent seasons on loan in Italy, Portugal and Greece.
He previously had a spell in the Premier League with Swansea City in 2018.
Following Chelsea’s defeat by Arsenal, Alonso insisted that the squad had enough midfield options to compete throughout the season.
“We have several options and we need to find the right balance. We believe we have the quality and competitiveness necessary for the entire season and to face every opponent,” the Chelsea manager said.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, however, questioned the decision not to sign another midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wright said Chelsea’s prospects would ultimately depend heavily on their midfield strength.
“I think their front three will pose problems for many teams, but it ultimately hinges on the midfield,” Wright said.
He argued that Chelsea should have anticipated Fernandez’s departure and acted earlier to secure a replacement, particularly after the club’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Camara.
Chelsea had taken the lead against Arsenal through summer signing Morgan Rogers before former Blues forward Kai Havertz equalised.
Martin Odegaard later scored the winning goal in the second half, ending Chelsea’s perfect start to the season and sending Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League.
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