**Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, according to reports.**
[_GiveMeSport_](https://www.givemesport.com/chelsea-beating-man-utd-barcelona-race-marc-bernal/) claim that the Blues are “monitoring” the 19-year-old. He is seen as a potential “long term replacement” for Enzo Fernandez, who left for Manchester City on Deadline Day.
Bernal has started 3 of Barca’s 5 matches so far this season, so he isn’t exactly on the periphery of their squad.
However, the arrival of Rodri is expected to curtail the teenager’s game time over the course of the season, which may lead to the player weighing up his options next year.
Chelsea are not the only PL club interested in the midfielder
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It is believed that Manchester United are also keen admirers of Bernal, but the Red Devils have already recruited three players (Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos) in recent months who play in his position.
In stark contrast, manager [**Xabi Alonso**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-injury-news-levi-colwill-6/) has limited choice in the middle of the park, following the failure to replace Fernandez on Deadline Day.
Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco are all part of the squad, but two of them are currently injured, while Lavia is somewhat injury prone himself.
Do the club have any alternatives to Bernal?
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Considering that the Spaniard is currently playing regularly, it seems unlikely that he would be open to joining Chelsea, especially if the Blues want to buy him during the January transfer window.
In terms of other targets, the chances of reviving a deal for Lamine Camara look slim, mainly due to a breakdown in relations with his club Monaco following the debacle on Deadline Day.
Manu Kone is the likeliest target. Roma were tempted to offload him in the summer, and his departure was only blocked after an intervention by manager Gian Piero Gasperini. He could become available again in the New Year.