Chelsea eye TWO Enzo Fernandez replacements

Cameron Smith

8 Nov 2024 14:00 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing two central midfielders amid Enzo Fernandez’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Article continues under the video

The Argentina international has been usurped by Romeo Lavia in Enzo Maresca’s first-choice starting XI and links with a move away from the club have intensified in recent weeks.

Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid are all monitoring Fernandez’s situation in west London, according to reports, as they ponder a possible bid when the 2025 summer transfer window opens.

The ex-Benfica star registered three assists during Chelsea’s 8-0 demolition of FC Noah in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, but he hasn’t started a Premier League match since a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on 6 October.

Chelsea are now monitoring the progress of both Samuele Ricci and Pablo Barrios in the event that Fernandez leaves the club next year.

CaughtOffside report that Chelsea have joined Manchester City in the race to sign Torino midfielder Ricci, who Pep Guardiola sees as a possible back-up to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

In addition, Chelsea are also interested in submitting a €50 million offer for Atletico Madrid’s Barrios, as per Fichajes, following his impressive form so far this season.

READ MORE: Chelsea's big LOSER from Noah rout

Enzo Maresca on Enzo Fernandez

When asked why Fernandez has been dropped from his preferred XI ahead of Chelsea’s clash versus Manchester United, Maresca told the media: “I still trust Enzo. There is not any reason in the world I can lose confidence in him.

“The reason why he is not playing in the Premier League is because at this moment I take a different decision. My confidence is 100 percent with Enzo.

‘In this moment, I know you are looking for some different reasons for Enzo [not starting], but it’s very simple.

Current ETV

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Enzo Fernández

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€40.7M - €67.9M

“He’s not playing at the moment, we have so many games, he’s going to play for sure in the future. And it doesn’t mean Romeo and Moi are always going to play. At the moment one of them drops [their levels], probably we will change it.

Maresca added: “It’s a matter of balance. Romeo and Moi give us physicality and strength in the middle. This is why we found the option of Malo [Gusto] in the pocket.

“Otherwise, when we play with Enzo it has to be with one of Moi or Romeo, and [when] Enzo moves forward we struggle in the middle for physicality.”