Chelsea draw up four-man shortlist to replace Enzo Fernandez as Man City move sparks transfer domino effect

Chelsea have reportedly identified four players they would like to sign should Enzo Fernandez join Manchester City this summer.

City’s interest in Fernandez has been well documented, although, as things stand, the Argentine remains a Chelsea player, with the Blues demanding a transfer fee of £120million from their Premier League rivals.

It is widely reported that Chelsea would like to line up a replacement ready to slot into Alonso’s side before allowing Fernandez to leave during the transfer window, which shuts on September 1.

But who are the midfielders attracting Chelsea’s attention?

As reported by talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have put together a four-player shortlist of targets viewed as replacements for Fernandez.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is among the names on the list, with the i Paper reporting on Monday (August 24) that Bournemouth have already rejected three bids from Chelsea worth between £62million and £68million this summer, with the Cherries keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old for at least another season.

Meanwhile, Jacobs claims Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also under consideration by Chelsea.

Man City, who have already sold Rodri to Barcelona, have also registered their interest in the England international despite signing Elliot Anderson and agreeing an £86million move for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.

City’s Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez looks set to join Newcastle United, which could trigger a domino effect of transfers as Enzo Maresca looks to replace him with Fernandez.

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France and AS Roma star Manu Kone is another player admired by Chelsea, with the 25-year-old previously linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The final name on Chelsea’s shortlist of potential Fernandez replacements is Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, although this appears to be the least likely transfer, as his departure would leave Jose Mourinho’s side short in midfield after they missed out on Rodri.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jacobs explained: “We know that they still want Enzo Fernandez, and the money from Gonzalez, the squad space and wage space all help.

“So, Fernandez is a big story between now and the end of the window.

“But Chelsea need their valuation met, and they'll likely need a replacement. They like Alex Scott.

“But you have this domino and Man City and Chelsea will agree a deal at the right fee.

“But if Chelsea go for a replacement and Scott isn't for sale or Adam Wharton isn't for sale then Manu Kone becomes an option or Camavinga, potentially, but Real Madrid didn't get Rodri.

“So, if Chelsea run out of replacements, then they'll [Man City] have to wait until 2027. It will be a complicated deal, but we have to keep an eye on it until the final minutes of the window.”