Chelsea could be forced to pursue Eduardo Camavinga as a marquee replacement if Enzo Fernandez departs before the transfer window closes. The Argentine midfielder continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City, who are reportedly preparing to submit a fresh bid in the coming days.
Fernandez was an unused substitute for the opening 65 minutes of Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday evening, before replacing Romeo Lavia. The midfielder, who joined the Blues in 2023, has been booed by home supporters at Stamford Bridge during a pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, following his public wish to leave the club.
Manchester City fresh bid expected
According to Ben Jacobs, Manchester City are preparing a new offer for Fernandez. Should he depart west London, Chelsea's preferred replacement, Bournemouth playmaker Alex Scott, appears set to remain at his current club.
In that scenario, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso might need to approach his former employers Real Madrid regarding Eduardo Camavinga. Reports from talkSPORT suggest the Frenchman features on Alonso's midfield wishlist.
Camavinga's price and connection
Real Madrid are reportedly seeking just over £51m for the 23-year-old. Camavinga, a French international, shares a prior connection with Alonso, who predicted a bright future for him during his time at Real Madrid.
Ahead of a fixture against Levante last year, Alonso said: "I know him from watching him, from how he interprets the game, he has enormous potential, a lot of qualities, and there's a place for him within the project. He's eager, he's willing."
Chelsea are aware of their manager's stance on the potential move, and Camavinga would appear to be their prime target for a headline-grabbing deadline-day signing.
