Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
The Enzo Fernandez saga has drawn on far longer than Chelsea would have liked, and the latest update on his future suggests it is not over yet.
After a summer where it looked like Fernandez was desperate to join Real Madrid, his best chance of getting a move away is now to Manchester City, where he would join up with Enzo Maresca again.
Chelsea fans greeted Fernandez with boos when he came on to face Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly, however he has remained in training with the first team squad throughout this saga.
David Ornstein gives Enzo Fernandez saga update
With Chelsea just two days away from getting their season underway against Fulham, and we have predicted Fernandez will start for the Blues in the heart of midfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports, David Ornstein explained that City’s interest in the signing is not over yet, however insisted the Blues will need to sort out a replacement before letting the move happen.
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
He said: “Manchester City really want Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea will only sell him if the conditions are right and Chelsea would need a replacement.”
The Blues have been targeting Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as potential new signings for a midfielder, although the price they would command would need a major exit like Fernandez to happen first.
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window too, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are far less likely to part ways with arguably their best players at this stage.
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Maresca used Fernandez in a far more advanced role than previous managers at Stamford Bridge had, and this saw his goal tally drastically increase.
However, Alonso has already spoken about how he may use the Argentine, planning to use him in a deeper position to allow him to progress the ball more.
The defensive security that is offered from having a back three will mask over any worries about defending in transition, whilst also allowing the likes of Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer to stay higher.
Chelsea cannot afford to part ways with a player as important as Fernandez this late in the window, and it would be a slap in the face to Alonso after all the good work he has done during pre-season.