Chelsea would be wise to get involved in an £80million transfer race as they prepare for a potential major exit this summer. There is real uncertainty over the future of Enzo Fernandez, who seems to have indicated he will want to leave the club if a big bid comes in from a top club.
Real Madrid are said to be interested, although there are few other teams capable of paying the £120million Chelsea are going to demand for the Argentine this summer.
Chelsea should chase Fernandes as Enzo replacement
One player Chelsea should be considering if Fernandez is to leave is West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, who is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best young midfielders in the league, although he is technically now a Championship player following West Ham's relegation.
The 21-year-old stood out like a sore thumb for the Hammers and often dominated midfields, even if it wasn't always enough for his team to pick up consistent results. Manchester United are being heavily linked with Fernandes as they look to replace the departing Casemiro this summer.
And Chelsea should also be considering a move, given they need someone not too dissimilar to Fernandez. The current Chelsea star has both the defensive and offesnsive side to his game, possessing the legs to get forward and cover the back.
Fernandes is very similar, playing as an out-and-out midfielder for the Hammers, with the expectation of keeping the midfield locked down while also having licence to bomb on when the opportunity presents itself.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo said of Fernandes late this sason: “He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined."
That's the profile of player Xabi Alonso is going to want at Stamford Bridge next season, and for £80million, it's unlikely Chelsea are going to find a ready-to-plug-in midfielder for that price, and especially not one who fits the club's strategy of being young and possessing big potential to grow as a player and in value.
Still only 21, Fernandes is very much in that category. But with West Ham relegated and United said to be sniffing around, it's unlikely he will be available for long.
The problem for Chelsea is that they are unlikley to know Fernandez's fate until later on in the window, when the World Cup is all wrapped up. That could put the Blues at a real disadvantage, unless they opt to add Fernandes regardless.
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