Chelsea are weighing up a late move for Roma midfielder Manu Kone as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton also on their shortlist.
The Blues are exploring options ahead of the transfer deadline, and Standard Sport understands that Kone is the subject of interest from the club. Roma do not want to lose the French midfielder, but Chelsea have him on a list of potential replacements should Fernandez depart before the window closes.
Fernandez exit could fund new signings
Manchester City have long-standing interest in Fernandez and are expected to push to complete a deal before the deadline. Chelsea want more than £120million for the Argentine, who they are willing to sell as long as they finish the window in a stronger position.
That means any incoming signing does not necessarily need to be a like-for-like replacement for Fernandez, who has been left out of the squad for Chelsea's last two matches: the victories over Luton Town on Thursday and Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Other midfield targets on the list
Italian media have reported that Roma are yet to receive any formal bids for Kone. Chelsea have also been working on a potential deal to sign Lamine Camara, the 22-year-old Monaco and Senegal midfielder.
The club are also keen on Wharton and remain interested in Alex Scott, though Bournemouth have firmly insisted all summer that he is not for sale at any price.
