Every manager looks forward to the start of September, when the transfer window finally closes and they can begin building towards the future, at least until January.
No manager wants to deal with a late bid for their star player, particularly when the bigger clubs circle like sharks, looking to squeeze every last drop of value out of the deal before the window slams shut.
With the transfer window now closed, the focus can turn firmly back to the action, with Premier League and EFL Cup fixtures coming thick and fast over the next few weeks. Chelsea have made a perfect start to the competitive campaign under Xabi Alonso, and the attention now turns to maintaining that momentum.
Lets hope for a good week at the bridge and here’s our predictions:
Late Fernandez drama but stays
It has all gone quiet on the Enzo Fernández-to-Manchester City front, with speculation expected to intensify if a deal is to be completed within the next 24 hours. Reports that Fernández was not fully focused on Chelsea’s opening fixtures had raised questions over his availability for the previous two games, but with no fee agreed between the two clubs, a move remains far from certain despite City’s continued interest.
My prediction is that no agreement will be reached, with negotiations likely to reach a stalemate before the deadline. As a result, Fernández will remain at Chelsea, potentially leaving Xabi Alonso with an unhappy player to manage within his squad.
New midfield star
Chelsea are unlikely to leave themselves short in midfield and have already identified several potential replacements. A move for Alex Scott appears to be 12 months premature, but Manu Koné and Lamine Camara have both been sounded out as possible options to replace Enzo Fernández.
However, Chelsea will need greater confidence that a deal for the Argentine is close to being completed before committing to a replacement. If my prediction of Fernández leaving proves correct, the Blues will have to move quickly to secure a suitable successor before the deadline.
Intense London Derby
Chelsea and Arsenal matches are always fiercely contested, driven not only by the history between the two clubs but also by the growing rivalry that could shape the Premier League title race over the next nine months.
With the intensity likely to be high from the first whistle, expect plenty of yellow cards and a feisty encounter. My prediction? Cole Palmer will have the final say, scoring a dramatic late equaliser in the dying minutes.
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