Chelsea have signalled that they are willing to part ways with midfielder Enzo Fernandez, should Manchester City present an offer that meets their valuation, and they are also looking to strengthen their own squad before the transfer window shuts. While no formal negotiations between the two clubs have been reported so far, the Blues chose to omit Fernandez from their Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town on Thursday evening. Following the match, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso praised Fernandez as a "good professional" who has been performing well in training. Alonso added that a decision about whether the Argentine will be available for the upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion will be taken closer to the date, indicating that the player's omission was a tactical choice rather than a disciplinary one.
Manchester City’s interest in Fernandez has persisted despite the fact that Chelsea’s internal deadline of 14 August for a £120 million sale passed without a bid. The club had previously reached an agreement with Fernandez’s representatives that a fee of around £120 million would be acceptable, but no concrete proposal materialised before the cut‑off. Alonso, speaking before the Luton game, also remarked that the club is "prepared for whatever" happens with players who might depart before the deadline, underscoring the fluid nature of the summer market. In terms of potential reinforcements, Chelsea have identified a few midfield options.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been mentioned as possible targets, although both of their current clubs consider them essential and are unlikely to sanction a sale. Meanwhile, City are also scouting Scott and have set their sights on Roma’s promising youngster Manu Kone as part of their own midfield overhaul. Manchester City’s urgency in the central‑midfield department has grown following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona earlier this month. The English champions have been active in the market, securing several high‑profile signings: Ayyoub Bouaddi arrived from Lille for a world‑record £86 million for a teenager, Elliot Anderson was snapped up from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, and earlier this summer Nico González moved to Newcastle for up to £50 million while Tijjani Reijnders headed to Al‑Qadsiah for £51 million.
Additionally, veteran Bernardo Silva left the club after his contract expired and joined Real Madrid. Alonso confirmed in his post‑match press conference that the decision to leave Fernandez out of the Carabao Cup squad was purely tactical.
"It was just because of the game," he explained, adding that other squad members needed minutes. He said he made the call on the afternoon of the match and reiterated his confidence in Fernandez’s professionalism and training standards.
"We will see for Sunday," he concluded, leaving open the possibility of the midfielder’s involvement in the next league fixture. Beyond the midfield saga, Chelsea have also been active in the goalkeeping department.
The club reached an agreement with Aston Villa for the transfer of Emi Martínez for a fee reported to be around £7.5 million. The move comes after first‑choice keeper Robert Sánchez faced criticism for a costly error in a recent win over Fulham. Martínez, who became surplus to requirements at Villa after they signed Zion Suzuki for nearly £30 million, was also linked with Juventus, though the Italian giants ultimately opted for Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. The goalkeeper situation raises questions about the futures of both Sánchez and backup Mike Pender.
Pender started the Carabao Cup tie against Luton, while Sánchez featured in the league win over Fulham, suggesting that Alonso may be weighing options as the season approaches. Overall, Chelsea appear to be navigating a complex summer window: they are prepared to entertain a substantial offer for Fernandez, are scouting midfield replacements, and are addressing the goalkeeping hierarchy. The club’s strategy seems to balance the need for immediate squad reinforcement with the potential financial windfall from a high‑value sale, all while keeping an eye on the Premier League campaign that looms ahead. The next few weeks will likely reveal whether the Blues can secure the right deals to both bolster their ranks and satisfy their financial objectives.