Chelsea’s football operations department faces a packed schedule before the summer trading period concludes at 11pm on Tuesday, September 1.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s position at the club remains unclear.
The west London outfit must finalise five transactions before next week’s deadline. This transfer window, the club has invested over £230million in recruits while generating nearly £160million through player sales, yet several matters require attention in the coming days.
Upon arriving at the Cobham training complex in July, Xabi Alonso informed journalists that he and the football operations department would exhaust every option until the final moments of the trading window.
Addressing media before the pre-season trip to Australia and the Far East, the recently appointed manager explained that the club must prepare, as the market would remain active for several weeks. He noted awareness of various roles and circumstances would be necessary, with a strategy in place requiring assessment at appropriate times. While unable to predict outcomes, he suggested developments were likely, with further activity anticipated and flexibility required for swift action. The primary objective involved maintaining a well-defined vision and framework, acknowledging potential adjustments until the final day of trading. His aim centred on constructing a competitive squad in the Premier League, expressing confidence in the quality and potential available, while emphasising the need for the right combination of skill and mental strength.
Stamford Bridge has seen numerous fresh arrivals, though considerable tasks remain. Here are the priority items for the remaining days of the trading period.
Chelsea hold Manchester City to ransom for Fernandez
Despite Manchester City and other interested parties missing the informal cut-off of 5pm on Friday, August 14 to secure Enzo Fernandez’s signature, the club’s hierarchy must resolve this situation definitively.
Chelsea sources indicate the Argentina international communicated his desire to depart at the end of May. Fernandez had previously shown interest in Real Madrid, declining to eliminate the possibility of leaving Chelsea and mentioning his aspiration to reside in Madrid at some point.
Los Blancos ultimately stepped away from pursuing the player, issuing a formal communication confirming they had not pursued and did not intend to pursue his acquisition. Reports suggest Chelsea subsequently established a deadline for meeting the £120million valuation.
Although no offers materialised, Fernandez’s position in west London remains uncertain, with Enzo Maresca hoping to work alongside him again at the Etihad. While the player continues working, he has not silenced speculation.
In the coming days, the club must establish a revised valuation that penalises tardy bidders and communicate fresh terms to Manchester City. Should City miss the deadline again, so be it.
Alonso focuses on three additional departures
Beyond resolving Fernandez’s situation, the football operations department must address Mykhailo Mudryk’s exit. The winger, only recently returned following an absence of nearly two years, requires a temporary stint at a Premier League club.
Mudryk retains a future at Stamford Bridge with significant potential yet to be developed, but needs to regain form in England’s top division. Sources indicate Chelsea have abandoned considering a loan to Leeds United.
The Yorkshire club had engaged in discussions regarding the 23-year-old’s potential move, though Elland Road no longer represents an option. Mudryk prefers remaining in the Premier League, and Chelsea should respect that preference.
The departures of Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi also require attention. Reports suggest Chelsea and Crystal Palace are near finalising a season-long loan arrangement for one defender, while another is expected to leave.
Chelsea sign Scott at the death
Should Manchester City meet the asking price for Fernandez, Chelsea should push hard for Alex Scott. The Bournemouth midfielder would not necessarily replace the attacking output from central areas, but would preserve the high level of control and composure alongside Moises Caicedo.
Sources indicate Chelsea hold interest in Scott, whose contract at the Vitality Stadium runs until June 2028. However, the club would likely only pursue a move if the Argentine departs.
Earlier this summer, a £64million offer for the 23-year-old was rejected, with the Cherries maintaining he is not available. Scott is also understood to have declined a contract renewal proposal from Bournemouth in July.