{"id":1413,"date":"2026-08-17T11:50:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T11:50:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1413"},"modified":"2026-08-17T11:50:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T11:50:54","slug":"the-43m-bargain-chelsea-are-considering-as-a-possible-replacement-for-enzo-fernandez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1413","title":{"rendered":"The \u00a343m bargain Chelsea are considering as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-381474\">\n<div class=\"article-follow\">\n<div class=\"article-sharing google-follow\"> <a class=\"fw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=thechelseachronicle.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grv-media\/img\/google-discover.svg\" alt=\"\"\/> <span>Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Chelsea\u2019s hope of setting Man City a deadline for Enzo Fernandez has not gone to plan. The saga around the Argentine remains, and Chelsea may have to replace him before the end of the window.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Blues set City a 5pm deadline last Friday in an attempt to either sell <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/tag\/enzo-fernandez\/\">Fernandez <\/a>and have time to replace him, or end the saga and focus Fernandez on another season in blue. That hasn\u2019t happened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-grvmedia-grv-video GRVMultiVideo\"\/>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"5a9c74ee-9dfb-4c17-80a3-f12c2bcadb5e\" data-story-name=\"Talk Chelsea\" data-comment-id=\"88edc6f6-f769-430d-8830-c9d9ca357843\" data-story-slug=\"talk-chelsea\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<p><h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">What type of reaction did Enzo Fernandez deserve on his return for Chelsea?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Enzo Fernandez reaction on Chelsea return\" class=\"wp-image-381250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/MOTM-1.png 1080w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"Chelsea's Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly football match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge in London on August 15, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS \/ AFP via Getty Images)\">Photo by Adrian DENNIS \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>City remain interested, and the imminent sales of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiyah mean Enzo Maresca\u2019s side have an influx of cash coming in. They are also set to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi.<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea, ultimately, will have to plan for a future without Fernandez, and that includes compiling a list of potential signings. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/transfer-news\/why-chelseas-chances-of-replacing-enzo-fernandez-with-morgan-gibbs-white-are-slim\/\">Morgan Gibbs-White has been linked<\/a>, but a Roma midfielder is also being targeted.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chelsea-remain-interested-in-manu-kone-as-price-tag-emerges\">Chelsea remain interested in Manu Kone as price tag emerges<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/transfer-news\/chelsea-stance-on-adam-wharton-and-alex-scott-revealed-after-announcing-two-midfield-signings\/\">Alex Scott and Adam Wharton remain long-term targets for Chelsea<\/a>, but Italian media have suggested Chelsea remain part of the chasing pack for Manu Kone. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gazzetta.it\/Calciomercato\/storie\/16-08-2026\/calciomercato-tutti-i-colpi-di-fine-estate\/manu-kone.shtml?refresh_ce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gazzetta Dello Sport<\/a> reported it on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Kone was a regular for France at the World Cup, but due to Roma\u2019s financial situation, the Serie A giants are having to cash in. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/throwbacks\/chelsea-join-arsenal-in-e50m-race-for-france-world-cup-star-deadline-set-for-june-30th\/\">Chelsea were linked with Kone<\/a> during the World Cup and are clearly keeping tabs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"France  v Iraq -World Cup\" class=\"wp-image-374581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2282367973-750x500.jpg 750w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: (L-R) Manu Kone of France, Zaid Ismail of Iraq  during the  World Cup match between France  v Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia United States (Photo by Marcel Bonte\/Soccrates\/Getty Images)\">Photo by Marcel Bonte\/Soccrates\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Renowned for his passing, his ability to dribble through a press from deep, and his ability to get the odd goal or assist, Kone could be the ideal signing for Chelsea if Fernandez does end up leaving West London.<\/p>\n<p>GDS say Chelsea are not the only side tracking Kone. Manchester United are also keen, as are a handful of Saudi Pro League sides. Atletico Madrid saw a \u00a337m bid rejected, with Roma requesting \u00a343m.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-patrick-vieira-has-explained-why-chelsea-and-others-want-kone\">Patrick Vieira has explained why Chelsea and others want Kone<\/h2>\n<p>While Kone might lack the attacking expertise of Fernandez, Xabi Alonso might prefer a slightly more defensive midfielder in his 3-4-2-1 system. Alongside Moises Caicedo, he requires a double pivot.<\/p>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"5a9c74ee-9dfb-4c17-80a3-f12c2bcadb5e\" data-story-name=\"Talk Chelsea\" data-comment-id=\"ae83210b-0e10-40cb-9b48-9aafe759a98c\" data-story-slug=\"talk-chelsea\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-content\">\n<h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">Who\u2019s your DREAM Enzo Fernandez replacement if the Argentine leaves Chelsea? \ud83e\udd29<\/h3>\n<p class=\"grv-talking-point__subtitle\">We want to know who and WHY?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-819x1024.png\" alt=\"Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca hugging graphic\" class=\"wp-image-380869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/08\/Enzo-Fernandez-Enzo-Maresca-1.png 1080w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea celebrate after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Chelsea FC at City Ground on May 25, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson\/Sportsphoto\/Allstar via Getty Images)&#10;\">Photo by Neal Simpson\/Sportsphoto\/Allstar via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>A player who can do a bit of both. There\u2019s no doubt that Fernandez can, but the Argentine is better going forward than he is defensively. Kone is able to do both sides of the game and that suits Alonso more.<\/p>\n<p>It would give Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers freedom. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/transfer-news\/chelsea-need-to-sign-e50m-target-after-patrick-vieiras-huge-praise-when-dismissing-roy-keane\/\">Patrick Vieira said during the World Cup that Kone is the \u201cbest midfielder in France\u201d<\/a>. It makes a \u00a343m deal an absolute bargain in the current climate.<\/p>\n<p>It might not be the signing that Chelsea fans would love \u2013 a Scott, a Wharton or a Gibbs-White \u2013 but it is a necessary one. At just \u00a343m, Chelsea would have \u00a380m left in the pot after the sale of Fernandez, too.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more-wrapper lazy see-more-open see-more-blank extra-content\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/transfer-news\/the-43m-bargain-chelsea-are-considering-as-a-possible-replacement-for-enzo-fernandez\/none\" data-type=\"subscribe\">\n<div class=\"see-more subscribe\">\n<figure class=\"newsletter\">\n<div><svg class=\"loading\" width=\"118\" height=\"36\" viewbox=\"0 0 118 36\"><use href=\"#dots-svg\"\/><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"signup\"><span class=\"hf\">Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><script>grvLoadAnalytics = () => {(function(d,s,i){var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s);j.async=true;j.src=\"https:\/\/www.googletagmanager.com\/gtag\/js?id=\"+i;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(document,'script','G-E7VRWQHDP6');(function(d,s,i){if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){var e=d.createElement(s);var n=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];e.type=\"text\/javascript\";e.async=true;e.src=\"https:\/\/static.chartbeat.com\/js\/chartbeat.js\";n.parentNode.insertBefore(e,n);}})(document,\"script\",\"G-E7VRWQHDP6\");(function(){let s=document.createElement(\"script\");s.async=true;s.dataset.domain=\"thechelseachronicle.com\/MFj4XQ\";s.src=\"https:\/\/api.publytics.net\/js\/script.manual.ping.min.js\";document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0].appendChild(s);})();if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){setTimeout(function(){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');fbq('init','663509325503632');fbq('track','PageView');fbq('track','ViewContent',{content_name:'The \u00a343m bargain Chelsea are considering as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez',content_category:'Transfer News',content_ids:[381474,\"enzo-fernandez\",\"manu-kone\"],content_type:'post',});},3000);}}<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/transfer-news\/the-43m-bargain-chelsea-are-considering-as-a-possible-replacement-for-enzo-fernandez\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Add as preferred source on Google Chelsea\u2019s hope of setting Man City a deadline for&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1414,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1413\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}