Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Despite Chelsea’s deadline passing, Enzo Fernandez is still being heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.
Last week, City had until 5pm on Friday to sign Fernandez from their Premier League rivals.
However, in the end, they were unwilling to pay Chelsea’s £120m valuation. With the midfielder having been available before that deadline, though, the Blues were thinking about a replacement.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Member in camp of one possible Enzo Fernandez replacement hints Argentine will stay at Chelsea
There are doubts as to whether Chelsea’s deadline will actually stick, but there is at least one person who definitely thinks it will.
A figure in the camp of one potential replacement for Fernandez has told the Daily Mail that they do not think Chelsea will sell the 25-year-old between now and the end of the transfer window.
That would be good news for Xabi Alonso, who has always wanted to keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea speaks to team mate Romeo Lavia
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Fernandez is one of Chelsea’s best players, scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season. If he stays, it will be a big boost for Alonso.
However, Fernandez will have to rebuild his relationship with the club’s supporters after being booed in the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad at the end of pre-season.
READ MORE:Enzo Fernandez deserves a little bit of credit for how he’s handled transfer saga
Who Chelsea could replace Enzo Fernandez with if he does leave
In the Daily Mail’s report, it is not mentioned who the potential Fernandez replacement is. Chelsea have had one bid for Alex Scott rejected, so the Bournemouth star could be the man in question.
Earlier in the transfer window, Chelsea were also linked with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. If the Blues do decide to sell Fernandez, his replacement is likely to be one of the two.
The message coming out of Chelsea, though, is that the Argentina international is no longer for sale following last Friday’s deadline. Will City respect that deadline? We will have to wait and see.
If they opt not to and can convince Chelsea to sell, their Premier League rivals are going to end up looking very silly.