Chelsea create a short list of four players to replace Enzo Fernandez as Man City’s move sets off a transfer chain reaction.
Chelsea have reportedly picked out four players they’d like to sign if Enzo Fernandez moves to Manchester City this summer.
City’s interest in Fernandez has been clear, but for now, he’s still a Chelsea player. The Blues want £120million from City for the transfer.
Chelsea want to find a replacement before letting Fernandez leave, especially since the transfer window closes on September 1.
So, who are the midfielders Chelsea are eyeing?
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have a shortlist of four players to fill Fernandez’s spot.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is one of them. Reports say Bournemouth have already turned down three offers from Chelsea, between £62million and £68million, because they want to keep the 23-year-old for at least another year.
Jacobs also mentions Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as a possible target.
Manchester City, who sold Rodri to Barcelona, are also interested in the England international Wharton. City have already signed Elliot Anderson and agreed a big £86million deal for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
City’s Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez looks like he’s heading to Newcastle, which might start a chain reaction of moves, especially if Enzo Maresca wants Fernandez to replace him.
Another name Chelsea likes is Manu Kone, a 25-year-old from France and AS Roma, who has also been linked with Manchester United recently.
The last player on Chelsea’s list is Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, but this one seems less likely because losing him would leave Jose Mourinho’s midfield short after missing out on Rodri.
Ben Jacobs explained on talkSPORT: “Chelsea still want Enzo Fernandez, and the money from selling Gonzalez, plus space in the squad and wages, helps. Fernandez is a big story until the transfer window ends.
“But Chelsea need the right price, and they’ll want a replacement. They like Alex Scott.
“There’s a domino effect here: if Scott or Adam Wharton aren’t available, then Manu Kone or Camavinga could be options. But Real Madrid didn’t get Rodri, so Camavinga’s transfer is tricky.
“If Chelsea can’t find a replacement, Man City might have to wait until 2027. This will be a complicated deal, so we need to watch closely until the window closes.”