The summer transfer window is still a few weeks away from opening but it has already been an eventful few days if you are a Chelsea fan. It feels like rumours are flying left, right and centre. Of course, with Xabi Alonso set to take over as manager from next season, the squad is expected to undergo plenty of changes this summer.
That will hopefully mean the arrival of proven and quality players who will raise the bar immediately. But at the same time, it could also lead to the departure of a few key names.
Obviously, one that has been doing the rounds of the past couple of days is Enzo Fernandez. The speculation around his future had slowed down a bit in recent weeks, which many took as a sign that he was set to stay. I, for one, have never really been convinced. After all, his agent openly talked about his contract situation in the media. So, unless an extension is agreed, it feels like the Argentine might be likely to seek an exit.
Such an opportunity seems to have cropped up already as well. According to The Touchline, talks have now taken place between Enzo Maresca and Fernandez over a potential move to Manchester City. The Argentine midfielder is the Italian manager’s priority target for this summer, while the player is 100% open to the transfer as he wants to play Champions League football.
Talks have reportedly taken place between Maresca and Fernandez
If that update is accurate then a move to Manchester City might be getting close for Fernandez. And to be honest, it has felt that way over the last few days.
In many ways, Chelsea might be open to the idea as well. After all, Fernandez has a long-term deal with the club. So, if he wants a move, the Blues would have to play ball as well.
Chelsea have their financial issues at the moment though. They have posted record losses recently and were also fined by UEFA last summer. As a result, the Blues will need to work under some constraints. That might mean having to let go of top players in order to raise funds to bring in new signings.
Alonso’s presence does give Chelsea fans some assurance
One would hope that Alonso was given solid enough assurances over plans for the summer transfer window. We cannot wait to see what they are.
Surely, it could not have been key players leaving and being replaced by youngsters. It is hard to imagine Alonso would have entertained the idea, if it had been presented to him.
So, the fact that he is at Chelsea is assuring in itself. Now, it remains to be seen if the summer transfer window is able to meet al the expectations that have been set since Alonso’s arrival.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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