Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have not been popular with Chelsea supporters since taking over at Stamford Bridge, but their project is under scrutiny when it comes to Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues owners have been accused of trying too hard to make money on younger players, rather than look at bringing in stars who can immediately raise the level of the first team squad.
Young players like Aaron Anselmino, Mamadou Sarr and even Valentin Barco this summer have been signed with the intention of making a profit on their sale.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Chelsea owners facing a big 24 hours with Enzo Fernandez saga
Of the big names to come in though, Enzo Fernandez has been one of the standout additions. The Blues smashed their transfer record at the time to sign the midfielder.
They tied him down to a long-term contract, but now face the prospect of Manchester City looking to sign the Argentine this summer.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
If Chelsea want to get back amongst the real top sides in the Premier League, they cannot afford to let their best players leave, especially to some of their rivals.
The main advantage to locking Fernandez down to a long-term contract is that the club would have control over his future, although they seem to be open to letting this go.
Chelsea's pre-season results
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea have told City they must make a £120m offer to sign the midfielder by Friday, meaning we are approaching a huge 24 hours to determine what their exact aim is.
Eghbali in particular addressed the criticism that has come the owners’ way at the end of last season, and the message behind this was that the Blues would be in a better position to compete in 2026/27.
If they want Chelsea supporters to believe this, they need to be building around their top stars, and this includes Fernandez.
Directly strengthening a rival would not be showcasing this ambition, and could be the moment Blues supporters finally lose full faith in those making the decisions at the top.