Report: Chelsea have two names lined up to replace Enzo Fernandez if Manchester City deal goes through
Chelsea reportedly already have two potential replacements in mind for Enzo Fernández, in case the Argentine departs for Manchester City. Chelsea are preparing contingency plans in case Enzo Fernandez departs for Manchester City, with the Premier League leaders reportedly closing in on a deal worth up to £120 million for the Argentine midfielder. According to Fabrizio Romano, City have been given until Friday to submit their final offer, putting real pressure on both clubs to resolve the situation quickly. Rather than wait to see how things unfold, Chelsea have already begun scouting potential replacements. According to Team Talk’s Graeme Bailey, two names have emerged as the club’s primary targets: Alex Scott of Bournemouth, a 22-year-old who has already seen previous approaches rejected by his club, and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, another 22-year-old who has impressed enough to draw interest from multiple top sides. Scott in particular has been a recurring target for Chelsea across recent transfer windows, with Bournemouth also having turned down interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United for the midfielder. Wharton, meanwhile, would represent a similarly significant investment, with both moves expected to require substantial fees regardless of which player Chelsea ultimately pursues. 🚨🔵 Chelsea are yet to receive any official bid for Enzo Fernández as of 4pm UK time today — 25 hours before the deadline for the exit.#CFC do not change their stance: £120m net, no Euros and with payment terms details clarified to all parties already since May. pic.twitter.com/5JYHI7rPO4— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2026 For now, everything hinges on what happens with Fernandez. Should Manchester City meet Chelsea’s valuation before Friday’s deadline, the west London club appears ready to move quickly on one of its two identified targets to fill the void in midfield. Where things stand with Rodri Much of City’s urgency around Fernandez traces back to their own ongoing situation with Rodri. Barcelona have been negotiating to sign the Spanish midfielder, with City having rejected an initial offer before Barcelona reportedly returned with an improved proposal in the region of €65-70 million. Nothing is finalized yet, but reports suggest Rodri would prefer a move to Barcelona over any other option, and City have only shown real interest in bringing in Fernandez as insurance if the Spaniard midfielder does eventually leave. City have already made moves in midfield According to Fabrizio Romano, Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to become a new City player once the move is formally announced, while Tijjani Reijnders’ transfer to Al-Qadsiah is reportedly close to being finalized — signaling City are already reshaping their midfield regardless of how the Fernandez and Rodri situations ultimately play out.
