Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez is set to be left out of the squad for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brighton, giving the Blues no choice but to stick to their guns and keep him this summer.
Fernandez’s desire to leave the club has dominated Chelsea’s summer transfer window, with Manchester City keen on signing the midfielder to replace Rodri.
The Argentine asked to be left out of the League Cup clash with Luton as he hopes for his future to be resolved, and now looks set to do the same as the Blues welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have to keep Enzo Fernandez with him set to miss Brighton clash
Fabrice Hawkins has stated that the Argentine is now set to miss the game this afternoon, with him still available to Man City if a deal can be arranged.
He said: “Enzo Fernández is not expected to be part of the Chelsea squad to face Brighton. Fernández is available to leave if Manchester City can meet all financial conditions required to complete a deal.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
“Chelsea are also exploring midfield options, with talks ongoing with several players, including Senegal international Lamine Camara.”
The Blues have been adamant that they will not accept less than the £120m fee they have asked for to sell Fernandez, and now they have been left with hardly any time to sign a replacement.
Adam Wharton and Alex Scott have been near the top of their shortlist to sign a midfielder, however both are more likely to move in 2027.
This makes it imperative for the club to stick to their guns and keep hold of the World Cup winner, with them building the rest of their squad in a way that could compete with Arsenal for the Premier League.
Even if it means selling Fernandez next summer, the club will be better equipped to sign an actual replacement for him, with Wharton and Scott likely to be on their radar again.
The Blues are pushing to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco, although his £50m price tag suggests he will not be the sole replacement for the Argentine.