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Chelsea Transfer News Today: Fernandez poached as 'untouchable' faces big choice

23 May 2026 20:04 BST | 5 min read

Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea Transfer News Today

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Enzo Fernandez, Josh Acheampong and Valentin Barco.

Maresca wants Fernandez

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants to take Enzo Fernandez with him to Man City, Florian Plettenberg has confirmed.

It had been rumoured for a few weeks that the Argentina international had emerged as a target for Man City. Now, with Maresca set to replace Pep Guardiola, it is clear that the former Blues head coach is the driving force behind the move.

It remains to be seen if a deal is feasible, but Fernandez, who has openly flirted with an exit, could be tempted by a potential move to City. He forged a strong relationship with Maresca and was bitterly disappointed and disillusioned when the Italian quit Chelsea.

Acheampong could push to leave

Josh Acheampong

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong is attracting interest from Man Utd, according to Ben Jacobs.

The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes after deciding to remain at Chelsea last year. As a result, he could be tempted to depart the club this summer, unless incoming manager Xabi Alonso can offer him game time assurances.

"Chelsea’s perspective is he’s pretty much untouchable, but information is that the player would be interested in exploring options if he feels he is not going to be getting regular game time next season," Jacobs explained.

Barco deal agreed

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Strasbourg to sign Valentin Barco, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Argentine announced his departure from the Ligue 1 side earlier this week and it was an open secret that he would be on his way to Stamford Bridge. Barco was one of the first players to be linked with Chelsea when Liam Rosenior was appointed in January.

Rosenior was sacked in April, but Chelsea will still sign Barco due to the threat of a Fernandez departure. Romano did not disclose the details of the deal between the two BlueCo clubs for the 21-year-old. His signing will be finalised in June.

Valentin Barco

Palmer's easy decision after World Cup snub

Cole Palmer appears to have an easy transfer decision after being omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.

While the decision has sparked uproar, it is ultimately not an entirely surprising one given Palmer's indifferent form for Chelsea since the start of 2025. He simply hasn't justified a place in the Three Lions squad.

A full summer of rest should do the oft-injured attacker a world of good, and with Xabi Alonso set to arrive at Stamford Bridge and build his team around Palmer, the obvious choice for him is to stay at Chelsea and try to get back to the form he displayed in his first season at the club.

BlueCo want Jesus

BlueCo are interested in a deal to sign Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus, Bruno Andrade states.

The 21-year-old would initially be signed as a Strasbourg player, but with the option of eventually making the step up to Chelsea if he develops as expected. Jesus is said to be keen on the move.

The Brazilian has received strong interest from Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg, but Jesus is said to be favouring a move to France. Tottenham have reportedly also scouted him.