Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Amid all the noise that Man City are attempting a late move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, the Blues have compiled a four-man shortlist to replace the Argentine.
It is believed that Chelsea are going to receive a bid for Fernandez soon, if they have not done so already. Some reports suggest the incoming bid is actually worth more than the £120m fee Chelsea had asked for.
Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic
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Fernandez has an agreement in principle with Man City, and a move simply hinges on whether Chelsea and City can agree a fee. Fernandez’s actions after full-time at Fulham may tempt Chelsea to cash in.
Chelsea are said to have drawn together a four-man list, as per TalkSPORT. Adam Wharton and Alex Scott are long-term targets, Roma ace Manu Kone is an option and so is Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
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Eduardo Camavinga has already been ruled out
Camavinga has fallen down the pecking order since Jose Mourinho was appointed manager. The Special One has only used Camavinga as a late sub in Real Madrid’s wins over Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Eduardo Camavinga central midfielder of Real Madrid
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However, reports from Spain indicate that Camavinga has ruled out a move to Chelsea or Newcastle and is looking to remain at Madrid until January at least. It is unclear how much Chelsea would have to pay.
Now, Bournemouth star Alex Scott is off the table for Chelsea
With Fernandez linked with a move, Scott is the pick of many supporters as the Argentine’s replacement. Bournemouth rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea earlier this summer, and remain intent on keeping him.
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Any indication that a move might still have some hope has now been shut. Speaking today, Marco Rose confirmed he isn’t going anywhere: “I’m not just confident; I’m sure. 120% certain [he’s staying].”
What are the chances of Kone or Wharton being signed?
That leaves Roma’s France international Kone and England ace Wharton. Palace, like Bournemouth, do not want to sell Wharton, and given the fees midfielders are going for, he could be a £100m player currently.
Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
It seems unlikely at this late stage. Kone, however, is available. Roma need to sell, and Kone is a candidate for a sale. Patrick Vieira said Kone is France’s best midfielder right now, so he could be the man to buy.
What Chelsea fans will not accept is that the Blues sell Fernandez and fail to buy a replacement. It might be that a player not yet linked with Chelsea arrives in the next week. Big moves are now expected.