Enzo Fernandez's future at Chelsea is once again up in the air as we enter the final week of the transfer window, with Xabi Alonso requiring a replacement if he does depart
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage
Enzo Fernandez may still leave Chelsea(Image: Getty)
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Enzo Fernandez could leave Chelsea by the time the transfer window slams shut. If he does, Xabi Alonso may have to pivot to signing one of his former Real Madrid players in a statement move.
Chelsea began the Premier League season impressively as they beat Fulham 3-2 on Monday evening, but Argentine midfielder Fernandez was forced to watch the first 65 minutes as a substitute before replacing Romeo Lavia.
The 25-year-old, who arrived in 2023 for a then-British record £106.8million from Benfica, finds himself in a precarious situation. Fernandez has rubbed Chelsea fans up the wrong way.
His World Cup celebration against England, as Argentina bitterly knocked the Three Lions out in the semi-finals, has not been forgotten, and on top of that, his public desire to leave the club has painted him as something of a villain. During a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, he was loudly booed and jeered by the home support.
The midfielder continues to be linked with a blockbuster move to the Rodri-less Manchester City, but if he does bid west London farewell, Chelsea's ideal replacement seems destined to stay put. Alonso might then have to enquire with his former employers about Eduardo Camavinga.
In a world where Fernandez, who is reported to be valued at £120m, reunites with former boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea will be scrambling to bring in a suitable replacement before the deadline. But they have failed thus far in their attempts to sign Bournemouth's Alex Scott.
Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium
Many English fans did not take kindly to Fernandez's actions(Image: Getty)
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The Englishman would slot perfectly into Alonso's midfield, but the Cherries simply do not want to or need to sell. Chelsea have had three bids rejected for Scott this summer, their final attempt coming in at £68m.
So, unless Bournemouth have a drastic change of heart, Scott won't be joining Chelsea before the deadline. Camavinga might then be the statement signing the Blues are forced to pursue.
Reports from talkSPORT claim that the Frenchman is on Chelsea's midfield shortlist and he wouldn't break the bank either, with Los Blancos supposedly wanting just over £51m for the 23-year-old.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid before the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium
Camavinga is reportedly on Chelsea's shortlist(Image: Getty)
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On top of the fact that Camavinga is a French international, still a young talent and incredibly versatile, he also has previous with new Blues boss Alonso, who tipped him for greatness whilst at the helm of Real Madrid.
Alonso managed the Spanish giants last season before being let go and he said before a game against Levante in September: "I know him from watching him, from how he interprets the game. He has enormous potential, a lot of qualities, and there's a place for him within the project. He's eager, he's willing."
Chelsea already know their manager's thoughts on the transfer and if they want to pull off a marquee deadline-day deal, Camavinga is their man.