Enzo Fernandez in talks with Man City, Chelsea make their stance clear
Chelsea are standing firm with their desire to only sell Enzo Fernandez for a profit this summer, despite the player being in talks with Manchester City.
The Blues have been braced for offers for Fernandez all summer, although it was originally expected this would come from Real Madrid.
However, it is Enzo Maresca’s side who are now the favourites if anyone signs him, with the former Blues manager having a strong relationship with the midfielder.
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Chelsea make stance clear as Enzo Fernandez enters talks with Man City
Despite returning to training with his Chelsea teammates ahead of the new season, Simon Phillips has stated that he has now entered talks with City over a potential move there.
However, he stated on his Substack that the Blues are still only prepared to do business if their asking price of £120m is met by a potential suitor.
He said: “Fernandez returned to training at Cobham yesterday as he is obliged to do so and as expected. But conversations have happened this week between the midfielder, his agents, and the club, and they reiterated that it is their desire to LEAVE Chelsea this window.
“Chelsea reiterated their tough stance that he can go, but only for their asking price of £120m.
“Meanwhile, City have opened initial negotiations with Chelsea around a fee for Fernandez. It will be tough negotiations, but City will look to do a favourable structure for them IF they are to pay the full fee wanted by Chelsea.
“If Fernandez changes his stance and says he is happy to stay at Chelsea for one more season, then Chelsea will keep the player. But as of right now, the situation is the opposite of that, and Fernandez is in talks with City.”
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Potential Enzo Fernandez replacements for Chelsea
If Chelsea are going to part ways with Fernandez this summer, they would like it to be done sooner rather than later so they can sign a suitable replacement.
The Blues had a bid rejected earlier this summer for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and they have remained interested in him as a potential signing.
Adam Wharton has been the club’s top target in the midfield position, however this would set the Blues back close to the fee they are demanding for Fernandez.
There have also now been links to Myles Lewis-Skelly, although he understandably wants to remain in place at Arsenal after winning the Premier League.
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