Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to part ways with Enzo Fernandez and believes the club should target Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga as his replacement. The former Chelsea midfielder claims Fernandez is 'fed up' at Stamford Bridge and should be allowed to leave this summer.
Fernandez's Frustration at Chelsea
Fernandez has developed into one of Chelsea's standout performers since a slow start, recording 15 goals and seven assists last season. However, the 25-year-old Argentina international has grown frustrated with the club's instability, including the dismissal of head coach Enzo Maresca in January and the prospect of missing European football next season. He was also fined internally in April after praising Madrid as a place to live, fueling speculation of a move to Real Madrid.
Petit, who played for Chelsea from 2001 to 2004, told BetVictor Live Casino: 'Enzo Fernandez should go. You cannot keep a player happy if he wants to leave. He has been one of the best players for Chelsea for the last two years, but you cannot be captain and have this kind of communication. Obviously he wants to leave. I think he has been fed up with what is going on at Chelsea. It has been a mess this season.'
Potential Swap Deal with Camavinga
Chelsea value Fernandez at £120 million, but a swap deal could be mutually beneficial. Petit suggests Eduardo Camavinga as the ideal candidate. The French midfielder, still only 23, has amassed 223 appearances for Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. He also offers versatility, capable of playing at left-back.
'Camavinga in a swap deal with Enzo Fernandez? Why not?' Petit said. 'He is still very young but has played for six or seven years at Real Madrid and won big trophies. He has been an amazing prospect. At Chelsea, most players are young, but Camavinga brings experience from winning at Real Madrid and playing for France. He would be a great fit.'
Reports suggest incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has already deemed Camavinga surplus to requirements, making a summer move plausible. With Chelsea's midfield in need of stability, Camavinga's pedigree could prove invaluable.
