Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea are set to take a massive risk and not replace Enzo Fernandez in their first team squad on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
Manchester City have finally agreed a deal with the Blues to part ways with Fernandez, with a British transfer record fee of around £125m being agreed.
Chelsea will be delighted with this fee, which sees them make a profit on the Argentine, but ultimately have left them with very little time to sign a replacement.
Despite the signing of Jordan Henderson, they have lost far more in Fernandez and Andrey Santos, and have missed a number of opportunities this summer.
The Chelsea Chronicle have rounded up the seven midfielders the club were linked with this summer, but with just a few hours to go look unlikely to sign this summer.
Alex Scott
Chelsea had a number of bids rejected for Alex Scott this summer, with them never reaching the transfer fee Bournemouth were looking for.
The Englishman has been scouted for a number of months by the Blues, and expect him to crop up on transfer shortlists in the future.
Adam Wharton
Seen by many as the dream target for the Blues this summer, Adam Wharton looks set to stay at Crystal Palace this summer despite plenty of Chelsea interest.
There was talk of the likes of Josh Acheampong going the other way, but Palace instead have Axel Disasi and future Chelsea signing Honest Ahanour in their ranks for this season.
Crystal Palace FC v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Lucas Bergvall
Chelsea seemingly sensed an opportunity with Lucas Bergvall on the transfer list in North London this summer, with Tottenham’s manager making it clear he could leave.
Despite brief deadline day links, the Blues are not set to pursue the Spurs man this summer.
Manu Kone
A late transfer target for the Blues, the Manu Kone saga has run into deadline day, although he is now believed to be staying at Roma.
There was even talk that their manager would walk out if they parted ways with the midfielder this late in the transfer window.
Lamine Camara
Many believed this was the most likely signing on deadline day, however Monaco continue to reject bids from Chelsea for Lamine Camara.
The Ligue 1 star is stylistically very similar to Moises Caicedo, with the Ecuador international currently out injured for an unforeseen period of time.
Sander Berge
Chelsea added Sander Berge to their list of potential targets following their opening day Premier League victory against Fulham.
He would certainly bring the physical presence that Chelsea were looking for in the middle of the park, although they elected not to go down this path.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi
With Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes, some sensed an opportunity for Chelsea to try and bring in Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal.
The Spaniard got a glowing reference from Alonso, but will not be coming to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Many believed Chelsea and Nottingham Forest’s business could not be over after the sale of Liam Delap, which occurred for what looks an inflated fee.
The Blues had Morgan Gibbs-White on their shortlist, but as with the rest of these players, look set to remain at their clubs for this summer.