Chelsea need to leap out of the gates when the summer transfer window opens on June 15, leaving no margin for error.
Proceeds from the potential sale of Enzo Fernández could be used to significantly bolster the Chelsea squad. The 25-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer as part of a rebuild coordinated by Jose Mourinho.
football.london understands that Fernandez wants to leave the Blues this summer. Chelsea want to keep the Argentina international, whom they signed from Benfica for £106.7million in 2023, but they won’t stand in his way if they receive an offer worth £120m.
Los Blancos are interested in signing Fernandez, but it remains unclear whether they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is. In the meantime, it’s understood that Xabi Alonso will work closely with the five-strong sporting leadership team as they look to revitalise the BlueCo project.
Between the new manager and the higher-ups at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea want to sign a centre-back, a centre-midfielder, and a left-sided winger this summer. Although the transfer window doesn’t shut until September 1, if the Blues can offload Fernandez before its opening on June 15, they’ll have more than enough funds and time to bolster the squad.
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With Arsenal determined to defend the Premier League title and Tottenham Hotspur eager to qualify for the Champions League, Chelsea can’t afford to be slow out of the blocks this summer.
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at how Chelsea could use the funds from the potential sale of Fernandez to bolster Alonso’s side.
Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao, who Transfermarkt have priced at just €50m (£43m), recently announced that he wants to leave AC Milan, and Chelsea shouldn’t think twice about testing the waters this summer. Although there have been question marks over the 26-year-old winger’s contributions out of possession, he’s a maverick who could blossom in the Premier League.
In four of the last five years, Leao has notched at least 25 goals and assists across all competitions for the Rossoneri. If Alonso believes he could get a tune out of the Portugal international, similar to how Luis Enrique unlocked Ousmane Dembele at Paris Saint-Germain, he’d be an absolute bargain.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott, who Transfermarkt have also priced at just €50m (£43m), could be a formidable replacement for Fernández in the middle of the park. Of course, it’ll be difficult to compensate for the Argentina international’s leadership on and off the pitch, but under the stewardship of Alonso, the 22-year-old midfielder could grow into a key player for Chelsea.
Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen would be a superb addition to the Chelsea backline. Not only could the 21-year-old defender partner Levi Colwill at centre-half in a back-four, but he could also play on the right of a back-three.
He’s already earned his stripes in the Premier League, having caught the eye at Bournemouth, and previously worked with Alonso at Real Madrid. Transfermarkt have priced Huijsen at €60m (£51.9m), bringing the Blues’ total spend to €160m (£138m), which is a little over the Fernandez asking price.
So, if Chelsea can wrap up a deal for the Argentine in the next 10 days, they’ll have the tools and time to sign three top players in the opening week of the transfer window…
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