Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge(Image: Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images)
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While all the noise around Enzo Fernandez's future has been going on in the background, the Argentine's Chelsea colleagues have been forced to take a backseat.
The 25-year-old midfielder informed Blues chiefs way back in May that he wants to leave the west London club before the end of the summer transfer window. With just over two weeks of said window remaining, Chelsea have received nothing in the way of a direct offer, or even any direct club-to-club contact regarding Fernandez.
With all the speculation over their teammate's future, Chelsea have been preparing as normal for the upcoming season. But it wasn't too long ago since Moises Caicedo was asked about his midfield colleague and his future at Stamford Bridge.
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While football.london were in Hong Kong for Chelsea's pre-season tour, Caicedo was perfectly transparent about Fernandez.
"I love Enzo," explained Caicedo. "He knows I have a lot of respect for him. We know the player he is and he is also a great person.
"I want him to stay. If he stays here, he is going to be massive for us. For sure he is going to think and do what is best for him."
Xabi Alonso has also said he wants Fernandez to stay this summer. Chelsea are keen to ensure Alonso and his squad have no unnecessary, off-field distractions in the build-up to their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24.
That is why the Blues have set Manchester City, the front-runners to sign Fernandez at the time of writing, a 5pm deadline today (Friday) to strike a deal. Chelsea have placed a £120million price tag on the Argentina international's head but if that isn't met by this evening, then the Blues are more than happy for the midfielder to be part of Alonso's squad for the upcoming season.