- 17 hours ago
Why Chelsea should REJECT Aurelien Tchouameni-Enzo Fernandez swap deal
Cameron Smith
- 1 Nov 2024 20:30 GMT
- 4 min read
Aurelien Tchouameni and Enzo Fernandez could be set to swap clubs, with Real Madrid and Chelsea in talks over a sensational deal, according to reports in Spain.
Los Blancos are eager to offload Tchouameni in 2025, and Fernandez is among their list of replacement options, along with Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City star Rodri.
As per Fichajes, Real Madrid are willing to spend €100 million to bring Fernandez to the Santiago Bernabeu, but they are also open to a straight swap deal involving the Argentina international and the aforementioned Tchouameni.
READ MORE: Next Chelsea manager? Rosenior makes early charge to replace Maresca
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Tchouameni, having tried to sign him in both 2021 and 2022, although rejecting a swap deal bid would be the best course of action for the Blues.
Of course, Tchouameni is a fantastic player, but Chelsea simply don’t need him.
READ MORE: Not good enough for Chelsea? Maresca addresses Fernandez concerns
Why Chelsea should reject Aurelien Tchouameni deal
Before the arrivals of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, signing Tchouameni would’ve been a no-brainer for Chelsea.
However, their recent transfer business means the France international would join a long list of players on the fringes at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has already found himself sidelined in recent weeks, with Caicedo and Lavia emerging as Enzo Maresca’s favoured double pivot.
The pair complement each other perfectly and given their form, Chelsea would be foolish to split their partnership up.
Lavia is one of the most talented young midfielders in world football and while Caicedo endured a tricky start to life in west London, he is now back to his best and he has been sublime so far this season.
Tchouameni, for all his qualities, therefore isn’t needed.
The Frenchman is primarily a defensive midfielder and given that Andrey Santos is also set to re-enter the fray when he returns from his loan spell at Strasbourg, signing another option in the middle of the park would be a poor decision by the Blues.
Furthermore, while Fernandez may struggle to fight back into Chelsea’s preferred starting XI, he at least provides something far different to both Caicedo and Lavia with his immense passing range.
Current ETV
Enzo Fernández
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
Enzo Fernández
M, DM (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€40.9M - €68.2M
Tchouameni, on the other hand, excels at regaining possession and keeping things ticking over with short, simple passes. Given Caicedo is also an expert in both of those areas, the Frenchman would arguably struggle to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.
While solely selling Fernandez wouldn’t be a hammer blow for Chelsea, the Blues would be wise to reject Real Madrid’s Tchouameni swap deal offer in favour of prioritising the development of both Caicedo and Lavia.
