Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
With a week to go until the start of the new Premier League season, Chelsea can finally start looking ahead after appearing to secure Enzo Fernandez's future.
The Blues had set a 5pm Friday deadline for interested clubs to meet their £120million valuation of the Argentina midfielder, but no bids arrived before the cut-off. Fernandez has therefore been taken off the market, allowing Chelsea to focus on the new season - although with the transfer window still open, there's still time for their resolve to be tested.
There's plenty of transfer business to keep an eye on at Stamford Bridge, too. Chelsea are reportedly facing the prospect of a £51m departure amid reports one of their stars has agreed personal terms with a Saudi Pro League club, while Liam Delap continues to attract interest with the Blues potentially needing to decide whether to cash in.
After a busy summer of incomings and outgoings, the focus is now firmly shifting towards getting the squad ready for the campaign ahead. As Chelsea continue their preparations with one eye on their Premier League opener, we will bring you all the latest transfer news, rumours and developments live throughout the day.
Liam Delap could leave Chelsea on loan for Serie A side Como this summer.
The striker has struggled for form and goals since joining the Blues from Ipswich Town last season and is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
According to Sky Sports, Como - managed by Chelsea legend Cesc Fabregas - are interested in signing the 23-year-old on loan and have opened talks with the Premier League club.
Chelsea value Delap at around £50m and are under no pressure to sell, with the striker still having five years remaining on his contract.
However, the Blues have a good relationship with Como after selling Trevoh Chalobah to the Italian club this month - and with Delap seemingly not part of Xabi Alonso's plans, a move to Como could provide him with the regular first-team football he needs and is one worth keeping an eye on.
Liam Delap and the rest of Chelsea's strikers struggled against Juventus.
Liam Delap and the rest of Chelsea's strikers struggled against Juventus.(Image: (Photo by Joseph Dinesh Daniel/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))
Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
The Blues are open to selling the Portugal international, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Tottenham, and are understood to value him at around £51.3m (€60m).
Al Hilal are optimistic that an agreement can be reached with Chelsea, with negotiations reportedly ongoing over a potential transfer.
Neto's future at Stamford Bridge has been called into question following the arrival of Xabi Alonso this summer. The Spanish coach has favoured a back-three system during his career, with wing-backs providing the width rather than traditional wingers.
As a result, Neto's position in Chelsea's starting XI is no longer guaranteed, potentially opening the door for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto could leave Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window(Image: Izzy Poles - AMA)
Enzo Fernandez 'not for sale until 2027'
Chelsea now consider Enzo Fernandez unavailable for transfer after their £120m asking price went unmet by Friday's 5pm deadline.
The Blues had told interested clubs, as well as Fernandez's representatives, that they would sanction the midfielder's departure if their valuation and deadline were met. No offer materialised, however, and Chelsea have subsequently taken the Argentina international off the market.
The club are understood to have no intention of considering any late bids for Fernandez and will not entertain a January departure either. That means the earliest Manchester City, Real Madrid or any other interested club could sign him would be summer 2027, with Chelsea now planning for Fernandez to remain at Stamford Bridge throughout the upcoming season.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates
Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring for Chelsea(Image: Visionhaus)
Hello and welcome to our Chelsea transfer blog.
Throughout the day, we'll bring you the latest Chelsea-related transfer updates, including news on Enzo Fernandez's situation.