Over the last few weeks, a lot of talk about Chelsea has revolved around Enzo Fernandez. Is the Argentine going to stay at Stamford Bridge? Or is he planning a summer exit? Of course, he or his camp have never ruled out the possibility. On the contrary, the World Cup winner has even mentioned Madrid as a city he would like to live in someday.
That has come amid rumours linking him with Real Madrid. You can put two and two together on that one. Of course, they are not the only possible destination.
Another one is Manchester City. With Enzo Maresca set to replace Pep Guardiola as manager, it has been suggested that Fernandez could be one of their top targets this summer. The two worked together very successfully at Chelsea. In fact, it was under the Italian’s management that he became the box-crashing midfielder after struggling to find a role in the Premier League in his first 18 months at the club.
So, it is easy to see why those rumours have cropped up. But it looks like Manchester City actually view Elliot Anderson as their top pick in midfield for the summer and have not made any moves regarding Fernandez yet. Fabrizio Romano said while speaking on YouTube about the situation:
“For Enzo Fernandez, at the moment, my understanding is that Manchester City are not actively working on this deal. Then, if the question from fans is, ‘Does Enzo Maresca appreciate Enzo Fernandez?’ I tell you that he’s a player he loves. The connection between the two Enzos at Chelsea was amazing, fantastic, but I mean, it doesn’t mean that he has to sign Enzo Fernandez at Manchester City.
“At the moment, there is zero ongoing between Man City and Enzo Fernandez. Then, should the situation change, maybe because they can’t get Elliot Anderson or any other story, we will let you know, but at the moment, it is just Maresca’s appreciation, that’s it.
“Maresca also appreciates Joao Pedro, Cucurella, Cole Palmer, I can tell you 50 players appreciated by Maresca, but at the moment, Manchester City and Chelsea are not negotiating, they didn’t ask for the price, so there is nothing really concrete into it. Should it change, obviously, as every single day, we will let you know.”
Manchester City are not working on Enzo Fernandez deal
So, it looks like there is nothing going on between Fernandez and Manchester City at the moment. Instead, it is Anderson that they are keen to sign this summer.
If the situation does end up changing, we can react accordingly to it. And that is one of the issues that the Blues might face even if they are willing to part with Fernandez.
How many teams are out there that could go out and spend £85 million on trying to sign Fernandez, even if they wanted him? Not many, that is for sure.
If Manchester City are successful in signing Anderson, it would be unrealistic to think that they would then try to bring in Fernandez as well. In that scenario, it would become more likely that he leaves England altogether.
Two clubs Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea for
The first name that comes to mind is Real Madrid. Florentino Perez is trying to remain president of the club. And at a time like this, it is normal for Los Blancos to make a big-name signing.
Fernandez could end up being that player for Real Madrid this summer. Especially if he ends up having a successful World Cup. Jose Mourinho is believed to be a fan of his abilities as well.
The other name that could be in contention are PSG. Realistically, they might be the only team that would not have any issues meeting Chelsea’s transfer demands.
Of course, Fernandez staying on at Chelsea cannot be ruled out completely either. At the end of the day, it might be about finding a top team willing to sign him for the asking price. If not, the Argentine has a job to do at Stamford Bridge.