One of Chelsea’s standout players in their win over Liverpool has caught Real Madrid’s eye, but the Blues already have several replacements in mind if he does end up leaving.
Enzo Fernandez put in a strong shift against Arne Slot’s side, helping control the game alongside Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
The World Cup winner has settled into a key role at Stamford Bridge and it has not gone unnoticed. Reports say Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him.
He has proven so crucial to Enzo Maresca’s system that replacing him would require a clinical acquisition.
Enzo Fernandez replacement options: Chelsea are reportedly eyeing four Premier League names
Chelsea would likely command a hefty fee for the Argentina international and they already seem to have a number of names under consideration.
Simon Phillips has linked Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Yegor Yarmolyuk as players the club is tracking should they need to strengthen midfield.
“Mainoo has been liked by Chelsea for a long time and they have already made a couple of approaches to United. The asking price has so far been too high but there is absolutely a deal there to be done,” the journalist wrote on his Substack.
“Wharton, like Mainoo, is a midfielder that Chelsea have been watching for a while and is high on the list, I’d say one of the top two targets they would look to try and bring IF Fernandez goes.
“Anderson is a player Chelsea have been scouting since he was with Newcastle. Interestingly, we’ve heard that Toon officials really regret selling him.”
He added: “Everyone will be familiar with this name [Yarmolyuk], and he is most certainly a player who Chelsea see as obtainable.
“As always with these names and Chelsea shortlisting players, they won’t be the only ones being looked at for this position, there will be other names. These are just the selection that we have been told about from reliable sources so far.”
Phillips clarified that, while there are currently no plans to sell Fernandez, Chelsea are bracing themselves for potential bids coming their way.
Enzo Fernandez beginning to shift opinions at Chelsea
There have been times when opinions on the Argentine midfielder have not been glowing, possibly because of his high transfer fee, but those views are starting to turn around.
Fernandez has played some of his best football in England against Liverpool, and Jamie Redknapp admitted after a recent match that he was coming around on the midfielder.
Chelsea count on him more than anyone else in that role for goal contributions. Keeping him happy at the club will be important for them moving forward.
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