There are not a lot of players who can be considered nailed-on starters for Chelsea right now with Enzo Maresca happy enough to rotate his team significantly in pretty much every game so far this season. That being said, the Italian manager clearly has his favourites and one of them is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
In recent weeks, it is Chelsea who have been linked with a move for Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. But out of nowhere, it looks like the Spanish club have their sights set on one of his Argentine compatriots.
As reported by Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are preparing an offer close to €80 million. It is a figure that could open negotiations if the player pushes for his departure. He is a midfielder that fits the model that Diego Simeone envisions, a footballer with presence, physical prowess and quick reading to direct transitions.
Fernandez has had his fair share of critics at Chelsea. He has stepped his game up in recent weeks though and is one of the club's best performers on current form. Also, one cannot overlook how drastically his output has improved since the appointment of Maresca as manager.
Atletico Madrid preparing €80m bid for Chelsea player
It would not be smart for Chelsea to part ways with Fernandez right now. Especially not if the transfer fee is in the region of €80 million.
Chelsea had spent in the region of €120 million in order to sign Fernandez from Benfica. He is still 24 years of age. So, even if a situation arose in which the Argentine was on his way out of Stamford Bridge, the club should look to at least recoup the fee they paid to bring him to London in early 2023.
Of course, the best-case scenario would be Fernandez staying. And perhaps even helping Chelsea complete the signing of his Argentine international teammate, Julian Alvarez, from Atletico Madrid.