Chelsea must be ready to make an immediate big-money signing for a midfielder should Manchester City decide to meet Enzo Fernandez’s valuation.
Fernandez appears set to depart Stamford Bridge, with City having had the chance to acquire the Blues midfielder for £120m at the end of last week. However, the Citizens failed to submit an offer before the informal 5pm Friday cut-off.
football.london has learned that Fernandez told senior figures at the club of his desire to leave at the end of May. The Argentina international first suggested uncertainty about his future in March when he declined to rule out a Chelsea exit and mentioned his ambition to someday reside in Madrid.
Speculation linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu quickly surfaced. Real Madrid then firmly refuted in early July that they had made or would pursue any effort to sign Fernandez, whose deal in west London runs until June 2032.
In a formal communication, Los Blancos stated that despite their profound respect for him as a player, they have no plans to pursue such a transfer. The Spanish giants also highlighted their strong ties with Chelsea, having secured Marc Cucurella mere hours before Spain’s initial World Cup fixture.
Keen to wrap up preseason plans, Chelsea informed interested clubs they had until 5pm on Friday, August 14 to match the £120m price tag. football.london understands City refrained from bidding before the deadline but maintain their interest in the Argentine playmaker.
Should Enzo Maresca push for Fernandez’s acquisition and City eventually submit an offer, Chelsea must be prepared to immediately fund a replacement. With this in mind, three potential candidates have been identified.
Adam Wharton
Wharton would represent a valuable acquisition for Chelsea. While the Crystal Palace man would likely find it difficult to match Fernandez’s goal-scoring prowess, with the Argentine renowned as a big-match performer, he stands out as one of the few midfielders capable of seizing control of proceedings and dominating possession.
Operating from a deeper position, frequently dropping short to collect the ball and penetrate defensive lines, Wharton would probably fill a comparable role to the one Fernandez occupied upon arriving at Chelsea in 2023. Providing Alonso is satisfied that the wing-backs and attacking players can offset Fernandez’s contributions in the final third, the 22-year-old playmaker could prove an ideal acquisition.
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Wharton, whose Selhurst Park contract runs until June 2029. Any potential transfer could set the club back approximately £100m.
Alex Scott
Scott presents another compelling alternative to Fernandez. The Bournemouth man would be equally adept at maintaining midfield control, while offering additional dynamism and mobility, transitioning effectively between both penalty areas.
While Wharton progresses play centrally through his passing ability, Scott would instead advance the ball through his winding dribbles. The 22-year-old would consequently supply Chelsea with a different dimension in the centre of the park, precisely what Alonso may desire.
Chelsea hold an interest in Scott, whose Vitality Stadium contract extends to June 2028. The Blues are expected to only pursue a move if Fernandez departs. A £64m approach for the England international was rebuffed during the summer, with Bournemouth adamant he remains unavailable. Scott reportedly declined a contract renewal offer from the Cherries last month.
Fabian Ruiz
Although no links to Chelsea have materialised, Ruiz represents a player Alonso should attempt to lure from Paris Saint-Germain. Under Luis Enrique, the 30-year-old has gradually emerged as one of the world’s premier midfielders, possessing just 12 months remaining on his Paris contract.
Chelsea should explore possibilities at the Parc des Princes. Ruiz, currently set to become a free agent at season’s end, would unlikely command an enormous fee compared to other options here, rendering him excellent value.
The Spain international would bring top-tier quality and invaluable experience to Stamford Bridge, exactly matching Alonso’s requirements. At 30, Ruiz retains several peak years ahead of him. Having secured every available domestic and European honour during his PSG spell, a project in west London could prove appealing. Ultimately, should Chelsea hesitate, rival top Premier League clubs will likely seize the opportunity.