Chelsea line up last minute statement move for Enzo Fernandez replacement

Chelsea are preparing for the possibility of losing Enzo Fernandez before the transfer deadline, with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott identified as a leading candidate to replace the Argentina international.

Manchester City remain interested in Fernandez and are expected to make a late attempt to sign him.

Chelsea would prefer to keep the 25-year-old, but their stance could change if City meet their huge valuation and the Blues are able to secure a replacement first.

Chelsea to target Scott as Fernandez replacement

According to The Sun, Chelsea have lined up Scott as a potential successor to Fernandez.

Man City are preparing an offer despite previously missing Chelsea’s preferred deadline for bids.

Fernandez is valued at more than £120m, while Chelsea have already made multiple attempts to  sign Scott.

The report claims Bournemouth rejected Chelsea’s latest proposal worth around £64m, with the Cherries maintaining that the 23-year-old is not currently for sale.

Chelsea could nevertheless return with an improved offer if Fernandez completes his move to the Etihad.

Chelsea are not relying exclusively on Scott. talkSPORT reports that Scott features on a four-man replacement shortlist alongside Adam Wharton, Manu Kone and Eduardo Camavinga.

Chelsea are understood to want a replacement secured before sanctioning Fernandez’s departure.

Scott would be the ideal midfielder for the Blues

Scott is an understandable target for Chelsea.

He already knows the Premier League, is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and still has considerable room to develop at 23. Those qualities fit Chelsea’s preference for signing younger players who can grow into major roles.

But replacing Fernandez with Scott would not necessarily represent an immediate like-for-like upgrade.

Fernandez is an established World Cup winner entering his prime, while Scott is still developing.

Asking him to immediately replace a £120m midfielder at Stamford Bridge would bring enormous expectations.

That is why Chelsea’s sequencing is so important.

Selling Fernandez first and then desperately chasing Scott would hand Bournemouth even more negotiating power. Chelsea need an agreement for a replacement before allowing City to complete the deal.