- Manchester City reportedly interested in Chelsea star
- Bernardo Silva departure could force midfield reshuffle
- Real Madrid remain major competitors
Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for a Chelsea star as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his midfield options this summer.
It is going to be a busy transfer window for the Sky Blues, with multiple departures and replacements planned for the summer.
Bernardo Silva is leaving after nine seasons at the club, as the midfielder announced his departure on X last week.
Man City have already identified multiple targets for the middle third. Elliott Anderson remains the biggest prospect, but there is another Premier League midfielder who has caught the Citizens’ eyes.
Man City target Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
Liam Rosenior was sacked yesterday after Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. With chaos at Stamford Bridge, The Athletic now reports that Guardiola’s side are now considering adding Enzo Fernandez to their midfield.
The report also suggests that the Sky Blues’ interest in Fernandez is still in the early stages. However, the Chelsea star might become their priority if a deal for Anderson falls through.
Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielder. Likewise, Fernandez previously made comments regarding Los Blancos, which got him in trouble at Chelsea.
Rosenior decision may have impacted Fernandez’s Chelsea relationship
Former Chelsea manager Rosenior didn’t take Fernandez’s comments lightly. The Argentina international faced a two-game suspension after the act.
Fernandez didn’t feature against Man City at Stamford Bridge, where Guardiola’s men thrashed the home side 3-0.
Following these tensions, Rosenior might have affected the player’s relationship with the Blues. If Fernandez doesn’t like the next manager either, he might leave the club in the near future.
Fernandez still impressed despite Chelsea turmoil
Chelsea stand eighth in the Premier League, and with Rosenior sacked, Europe looks unlikely for the Blues. However, despite a bad season, Fernandez has impressed individually.
The midfielder has managed 12.03 xGOT in the Premier League this season, the highest of any defensive midfielder in the league.
Fernandez has also managed 6.39 xA, ranking in the top 2.4%. Chelsea, however, managed to turn those into just three assists.
While the midfielder’s attacking numbers are strong, he doesn’t lack in defensive output either. A total of 221 defensive contributions put him in the top 6.5%.
Fernandez represents a technically dominant midfielder who fits Guardiola’s profile for the position. While the club’s interest is still in the early stages, the Chelsea star can be a standout signing for the Sky Blues.
