Chelsea are reportedly open to a sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, provided the club receives a suitable offer and successfully strengthens their squad before the transfer window concludes.
While no formal negotiations have reportedly taken place between the two clubs, Fernandez was conspicuously absent from Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Luton on Thursday night.
Following the match, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso described Fernandez as a “good professional” who has continued to train effectively. Alonso noted that a decision regarding the midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s fixture against Brighton will be made closer to kick-off.
Manchester City’s interest remains persistent, despite failing to submit a formal bid by Chelsea’s previously indicated August 14 deadline.
Fernandez ranked highly in a number of attacking metrics last season
Although Chelsea had reached an understanding with Fernandez’s representatives that a sale could be facilitated for £120m by the August deadline, no official offer materialized at that time.
Alonso also indicated ahead of the Luton fixture that the club is “prepared for whatever” occurs regarding potential player departures before the window shuts.
In terms of potential replacements, Chelsea are monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, though both clubs currently view those players as non-transferable.
Manchester City is also targeting Scott, alongside Roma’s Manu Kone. Reinforcing the center of midfield has become a critical necessity for City following Rodri’s move to Barcelona earlier this month.
Additionally, Nico Gonzalez has departed for Newcastle in a deal worth up to £50m.
This week, City secured the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £86m, setting a new world-record fee for a teenager.
The club also bolstered its squad last month with the £116m acquisition of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Why Alonso left Fernandez out against Luton
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Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso refused to be drawn on whether star midfielder Enzo Fernandez will be moving to Premier League rivals Manchester City
Alonso confirmed during his post-match press conference that the decision to omit Fernandez from the squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup second-round win over Luton was tactical.
“It was just because of the game,” Alonso explained. “We have other players who need minutes.”
When asked about the timing of the decision, Alonso stated: “[It was made in the afternoon. It’s a decision that I took.]
“Enzo is a good professional. He’s training well and I have nothing to say about this. It was simply a decision made with the specific requirements of tonight’s game in mind. We will see for Sunday.”
Chelsea agree deal to sign Villa ‘keeper Martinez
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa for the £7.5m signing of Emi Martinez.
Reports suggest Chelsea pursued a late move for Martinez following criticism of current number one Robert Sanchez after an error in Monday’s victory over Fulham.
Martinez sought a move following Villa’s nearly £30m acquisition of Zion Suzuki from Parma.
While Martinez had attracted interest from Juventus, the Italian club ultimately opted to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham.
The arrival of Martinez raises questions regarding the future roles of both Sanchez and Mike Penders at Stamford Bridge this season.
Penders was given the start in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup match against Luton on Thursday, following Sanchez’s start against Fulham.