Chelsea may consider selling Enzo Fernandez during the current transfer window, but the club would need to find a suitable replacement swiftly given the limited time remaining before the deadline.
Reports suggest the west London outfit are preparing to make another attempt to sign midfielder Alex Scott from AFC Bournemouth, having already seen three separate offers turned down for the south coast club’s prized asset.
According to The Independent, Chelsea view Scott as a potential successor to Fernandez, who could complete a move to Manchester City before the transfer period ends.
The i Paper reported yesterday that the club had three bids rejected by Bournemouth, with the Cherries insisting they have no intention of selling their key player this season.
The reports indicate Chelsea’s offers ranged from £62 million to £68 million, with Bournemouth making their position that the player is unavailable abundantly clear.
However, The Independent suggests this stance could shift if an offer between £80 million and £90 million were to be submitted.
Much of this situation hinges on Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge, with the Argentina international coming off the bench during Monday’s victory against Fulham.
Speculation has persisted regarding the midfielder’s prospects at Chelsea following his previous comments about a potential move to Real Madrid earlier this year.
The club took disciplinary action against Fernandez for those statements, and while Real Madrid have decided not to pursue the 25-year-old, Manchester City and his former manager Enzo Maresca are interested in acquiring his services.
City reportedly failed to meet a deadline last week to sign the midfielder for £120 million, though it is understood they could attempt to finalise a deal before the window shuts.
When questioned about the possibility of Fernandez departing, Bournemouth boss Alonso offered a typically guarded response, telling BBC’s Match of The Day that he would not be surprised by anything in football and would simply wait to see what transpires this week.
Football.london has learned that Chelsea do harbour an interest in Scott, but Bournemouth have made it plain the player will not be sold this summer.