Chelsea targets a midfielder to replace Enzo Fernández

Chelsea's leadership is actively preparing for a possible departure of Enzo Fernández before the end of the transfer window. The 25-year-old Argentine international midfielder remains a target for Manchester City, who could make a late bid. According to The Sun, Chelsea are considering Alex Scott, Bournemouth's midfielder, as a potential replacement.

Chelsea would prefer to keep Fernández, but their stance could change if Manchester City table an offer matching the player's high valuation. Fernández is valued at over £120 million. The Blues have already made multiple attempts to sign Scott, but Bournemouth rejected their latest bid, estimated at around £64 million. The south coast club insists that the 23-year-old midfielder is not for sale at present. However, Chelsea could return with an improved offer if Fernández finalizes his move to the Etihad.

A four-name Plan B

Chelsea are not relying solely on Scott. According to talkSPORT, the midfielder is on a shortlist of four potential replacements alongside Adam Wharton, Manu Kone, and Eduardo Camavinga. The Blues want to have a successor identified before considering Fernández's departure. This strategy aims to avoid being placed in a weak negotiating position. Scott brings major assets to the Blues. Already familiar with the Premier League, he can receive the ball under pressure and still has room for improvement at 23. These qualities align with Chelsea's preference for young talents capable of thriving in key roles. However, replacing Fernández with Scott would not represent an immediate or direct upgrade. Fernández, a World Cup winner and at his peak, is an established player, while Scott is still developing. Forcing Chelsea to immediately replace a £120 million midfielder at Stamford Bridge could set unrealistic expectations. That’s why the order of operations is crucial for the Blues. Selling Enzo Fernández first and then desperately trying to sign Scott would give Bournemouth more negotiating power. Chelsea must therefore secure a replacement deal before Manchester City can finalise the Argentine midfielder’s transfer. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is now in advanced talks over a new midfielder. He even mentions personal terms already agreed with a player, though the identity remains undisclosed. This highlights the urgency for the Blues to land a replacement before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, Chelsea could also explore alternative avenues to bolster the squad. The club has already been approached by Aston Villa over Nicolas Jackson’s transfer, though financial details remain unclear. Chelsea courted for Emiliano Martínez by Aston Villa and Palmer back but Chelsea held up by their goalkeeper reflect the current challenges facing the London club.