Midfield is thought to be one area that Chelsea are keen on strengthening this summer, and that means a potential transfer battle with rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea have the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos. However, Fernandez is unsettled right now.
As well as that, it has been reported that Chelsea could sell both Lavia and Santos when the transfer window opens.
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Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.
Chelsea enter Mateus Fernandes race
Chelsea are keen on signing Jarrod Bowen, but he is not the only West Ham United player they are interested in following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race for Mateus Fernandes.
While West Ham were relegated, Bowen and Fernandes were still able to perform, although it was not enough in the end.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United in possession
Photo by Ben Peters/MB Media/Getty Images
CaughtOffside’s report claims that West Ham want at least €50m (£43.2m) for their midfielder but that valuation could drop as a result of their relegation.
United are said to be leading the race, which is not too much of a surprise. They can offer Fernandes Champions League football, something Chelsea cannot provide.
Mateus Fernandes a very versatile midfielder
Fernandes can play in different midfield roles and did just that at the London Stadium this season.
During the 2025/26 campaign, the 21-year-old played as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and defensive midfielder. He even played a few games on the left.
Fernandes is a good tackler, making 2.9 tackles per game in the Premier League, according to WhoScored. However, he also brings an attacking threat, completing one key pass on average.
In total, the Portugal international scored three goals and provided four assists in 36 top-flight matches.
All in all, he could be a very good replacement for Lavia, who has not played enough games at Chelsea because of injuries. Fernandes has enough quality to be an upgrade on Santos, too.
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