Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP via Getty Images
Even if Chelsea’s rhetoric is to keep Enzo Fernandez, the club will surely be compiling a list of players that can replace the Argentine as Manchester City’s interest intensifies.
City missed Chelsea’s deadline of 5pm last Friday, but there remains a feeling that City could still make a move for the £120m-rated midfielder. Sunday’s Community Shield defeat will surely strengthen interest.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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That, and that City are close to raking in around £110m for both Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with Rodri set for Barcelona and Reijnders joining Brendan Rodgers’ Al Qadsiyah. Chelsea need to look at replacements.
The Blues remain interested in both Adam Wharton and Alex Scott. Reports say an £80m bid might twist Bournemouth’s arm into selling Scott, but Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White could be an option.
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Nottingham Forest’s stance makes a Chelsea deal very unlikely
Last week, it was reported that Chelsea are still considering Gibbs-White. Forest, however, have already sold Elliot Anderson to Man City, and the chances of another major midfield sale are already unlikely.
Chelsea FC v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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The Mail provides the latest. The report claims that Gibbs-White wants to be playing Champions League football in the coming seasons. The same outlet states that Chelsea showed interest earlier this summer.
The latest update indicates that Fernandez moving on could see Chelsea reignite their interest in Gibbs-White, but manager Oliver Glasner is desperate to keep the England star, and a move is seen as unlikely.
The issue with selling Enzo Fernandez so late in the window
Gibbs-White would be a stunning signing. As good a replacement as Chelsea could realistically hope for in the transfer market. Forest are likely to want a nine-figure fee for their England international.
But even if Chelsea met Forest’s asking price, the issue of replacing Fernandez at this late stage means clubs are unwilling to sell. The Premier League season literally starts in a few days, and clubs want peace.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
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The reason Chelsea set a deadline last Friday was so that they could enter the new season with no saga surrounding the club or Fernandez. That looks to have failed, with City still showing interest in him.
They want stability; they do not want to have to enter the Premier League season, scouring the market to replace their best player. Chelsea might want Gibbs-White, and the England midfielder might be keen.
But the chances of Chelsea tempting Forest into a sale seem almost impossible, unless they pay through the nose or even, throw the entire Fernandez fee on Gibbs-White to tempt Evangelos Marinakis.