Pundit Paul Merson has said that the recent comments from Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella don’t bode well for Chelsea, since both players want to play in the Champions League. The ex-Arsenal midfielder thinks that if the Blues don’t finish in the top five this season, they could lose important players in the summer.
Fernandez has been linked to Real Madrid after saying he wasn’t sure what would happen with his Chelsea future. Cucurella, on the other hand, said that it would be hard to turn down a chance to go back to Barcelona. In response, Paul Merson said:
“These comments don’t look good for Chelsea. Both Enzo and Cucurella want to play in the Champions League and if Chelsea don’t qualify for it, the transfers remain a huge possibility.”
He further added:
“Enzo Fernandez isn’t worth £100 million unless Argentina win the World Cup again.”
Merson also said that Chelsea paid £100 million for the Argentine midfielder and would probably not get that money back if they sold him this summer. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals and set up three others in 30 Premier League games this season. Fernandez’s contract with Chelsea runs until 2032, giving the club significant leverage in any negotiations that may arise.
Cucurella, on the other hand, said that Spain will always have a special place in his heart, but he is happy at Chelsea for now. The left-back also didn’t like that Chelsea let go of former manager Enzo Maresca, saying that it had a big effect on the team.
Chelsea Vs. Port Vale In The FA Cup Quarter-Final At Stamford Bridge
On Saturday night at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will play League One team Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-final. Liam Rosenior is hoping to bounce back from a tough March. This is the first time these two teams will meet in the FA Cup, and Port Vale haven’t been in the quarter-finals since 1954.
Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, and others. Wesley Fofana will have to pass a late fitness test after getting hurt against Aston Villa. Even though Chelsea lost four games in a row before the international break, they are still heavy favourites against Port Vale, who are at the bottom of League One.
Port Vale have surprised everyone by reaching the last eight. If Chelsea win, they will move on to the Wembley semi-finals and keep one of their two chances to win a trophy this season alive.