Should Chelsea lose midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the summer transfer window, a perfect replacement for the Argentine looks to have become available at Manchester United.
England international and homegrown talent Kobbie Mainoo burst onto the scene last season and was propelled into the Three Lions squad for their run to the Euro 2024 final. Such form led Mainoo to be linked with a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window as the Blues caught wind of United's financial difficulties.
Due to the current Premier League Financial Fair Play (FFP) set up, academy graduates represent 'pure profit' in accounting terms and thus can be lucrative if sold. Mainoo's United teammate Alejandro Garnacho was also linked with Chelsea and his agency were spotted at Stamford Bridge in January, albeit it is understood they were not invited there by the club.
According to our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News, there is a real possibility that Mainoo could depart United this summer after the club reached a stalemate during his contract negotiations. The midfielder remains on a lowly wage considering his standing in the first-team and it has been reported that Mainoo wants a significant wage increase if he is to commit his future.
Currently, United cannot offer him that and it is believed that it might be 'best for both parties' if they choose to part ways in the summer. If Mainoo was to be a target for Chelsea, the Blues would most likely need to sell to make room for him.
Fernandez seems like the logical exit considering the interest swirling around him presently. AS reports that Atletico Madrid's Argentinian contingent have been trying to persuade him to move to La Liga but currently the midfielder is happy in London.
The 24-year-old has made 35 appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring five goals and bagging nine assists in the process.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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