Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso’s decision to pick Romeo Lavia over Enzo Fernandez in Chelsea’s first Premier League game of the season spoke volumes. Fernandez’s future remains completely up in the air.
Even though Maxence Lacroix, Reece James and Malo Gusto reached the end of the World Cup, they all started for Chelsea at Fulham. Fernandez, meanwhile, remained on the bench at Craven Cottage.
It comes amid the rumours that Fernandez is edging towards a reunion with Enzo Maresca at Man City. The Italian might have masterminded a comeback win over Bournemouth, but he needs midfielders.
Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have left, and Nico Gonzalez could also depart. Fernandez remains a key target for City, and the chances are that he was on the bench against Fulham because his future is still in doubt.
Xabi Alonso sits on the fence when asked about Lavia pick
In midfield, Alonso started with Romeo Lavia and James. The former struggled on the night, picking up a yellow and managing just 34 touches. He was asked about choosing Lavia over Fernandez post-match.
Alonso said: “We have different options. Different players come in during the season at different stages. This is about the team, this is about the squad, it’s not just 14 players – you need 20 or more to compete.”
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Man City edge closer towards £111m Enzo Fernandez deal
Ever since Fernandez returned to pre-season training at Chelsea, all the talk has been about a potential move to Man City. Real Madrid was his first choice, but Madrid ruled out a move with a statement.
Chelsea want £120m to sell Fernandez, though a compromise could be met. Now, it appears that the midfielder already has an agreement with City and Maresca’s men are closing in on a £111m transfer.
Nicolo Schira reported on Monday night: “Enzo Fernandez is getting closer to Man City from Chelsea for €130M [£111m]. The midfielder has already reached an agreement in principle for a contract until 2032.”
The four-man shortlist Chelsea have to replace Fernandez
Even after full-time, Fernandez did not applaud the Chelsea supporters with the rest of the squad. He walked down the tunnel ahead of his teammates, with supporters booing him when he did come on.
If Chelsea do sell Fernandez, they don’t have long to replace him. But according to Ben Jacobs on TalkSPORT, Chelsea have identified four players they will pursue to replace him before the deadline.
Manu Kone at Roma, Premier League duo Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga have been shortlisted. Whether Chelsea can secure a deal in time remains to be seen.