Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
In an ideal world, Enzo Fernandez stays at Chelsea, but it is very possible that the midfielder does end up leaving the club this summer.
Chelsea have actually given clubs an opportunity to sign Fernandez, briefing on Wednesday that the 25-year-old can leave Stamford Bridge, but only if a deal is agreed before 5pm on Friday.
That does not give interested suitors much time, but if a transfer can be agreed, the Blues will want a replacement.
Recently, there have been four names linked to the club, so The Chelsea Chronicle has decided to rank them!
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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4. Alex Scott
Alex Scott is very likely to become Chelsea’s priority if Fernandez does join Manchester City or another club.
It has been reported that Chelsea have already had an offer for Scott turned down, so the Bournemouth man appears to be high on their list. Yet some of their other targets are arguably better midfielders than the 22-year-old.
3. Adam Wharton
There is perhaps not too much in this, but out of Scott and Adam Wharton, I would edge towards the latter.
On his day, the Crystal Palace star’s passing is exceptional. He is confident on the ball and can play through the lines.
That is not to say that Scott does not have those strengths, though. Again, it is pretty close between the two.
Adam Wharton and Alex Scott of England
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2. Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal selling Martin Zubimendi to Chelsea seems quite unlikely, but he does appear to be a player of interest to the Blues.
It is thought that Xabi Alonso has mentioned Zubimendi’s name in discussions with Chelsea, which makes sense.
Zubimendi is a top midfielder who is good in possession. At Arsenal and for Spain, he really dictates the tempo of games. Now a World Cup winner, Chelsea will not find too many better options.
READ MORE:Alex Scott, Fabian Ruiz and £100m man: Chelsea fans name potential Enzo Fernandez replacements
1. Fabian Ruiz
Like Scott and Wharton, there probably is not much to separate Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz either.
However, at the very elite level of football, Ruiz is a bit more experienced. At Paris Saint-Germain, he has really grown playing alongside world-class midfielders like Vitinha and Joao Neves, who have rubbed off on him.
Ruiz would be one of the best deals of the BlueCo era if Chelsea can pull it off.