Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Life without Enzo Fernandez is starting to become a real possibility for Chelsea.
Despite handing Manchester City a deadline to sign Fernandez, which has now passed, the Citizens are still expected to make a bid for the midfielder.
And it is thought that Chelsea would consider selling him if City are willing to pay more than the ÂŁ120m fee their Premier League rivals were initially demanding.
Whether City are prepared to do that remains to be seen, but Chelsea are ready for it after drawing up a list of potential replacements for the 25-year-old.
Once again, Chelsea are being linked with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott after having one bid for the English youngster turned down earlier this summer.
However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea may not necessarily sign a “like-for-like replacement” for Fernandez but will definitely need some sort of reinforcement before they let him go.
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein said: “Chelsea will need a fee that they deem suitable, and they’ll want to come out of it with their squad in a stronger position. Doesn’t necessarily mean a like-for-like replacement, but they’ll need to get reinforcement.”
Another midfielder whom Chelsea are thought to have strong interest in is Adam Wharton. The message coming out of Crystal Palace, though, is that the England international is not for sale.
Bournemouth have also briefed that Scott is not on the market, complicating things for Chelsea.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth is shoved by Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Chelsea should sign Fabian Ruiz to replace Enzo Fernandez
If Chelsea are going to sign someone to replace Fernandez, it should be Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz.
The Blues’ interest in him does not appear to be as strong as their interest in Scott. However, it was reported earlier this month that Chelsea have looked at a potential deal for Ruiz.
READ MORE:Alex Scott, Fabian Ruiz and ÂŁ100m man: Chelsea fans name potential Enzo Fernandez replacements
Ruiz is a very experienced midfielder, who is brilliant at retaining possession and controlling games. He has won two Champions League trophies with PSG and now the World Cup with Spain.
He has made 170 appearances for the French club and earned 50 caps for his country.
Ultimately, Ruiz would be a much better signing than Scott and Wharton and is likely to come much cheaper. He is 30 now and is not PSG’s most important midfielder, so the European champions may be willing to agree a deal at a reasonable price.