Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández missed his second consecutive matchday squad during a 4-3 defeat against Brighton, as Manchester City intensified pursuit of the Argentina international following a failed bid for Cody Gakpo, according to reports from The Athletic. The 25-year-old World Cup winner, valued at upwards of £120 million by Chelsea, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side.
Enzo Fernández Sidelined as Manchester City Pursue Transfer After Chelsea’s Brighton Defeat
Frank Leboeuf Urges Immediate Exit for Fernández
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf insisted that selling Fernández is the optimal solution for all parties involved, drawing a parallel to Julián Alvarez’s departure from Manchester City.
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“Enzo Fernández, I think he’s gone,” Leboeuf told ESPN. “We have the case with Julián Alvarez. A club can fight and try to keep a player but if the player wants to go, he has to go because there is no way that he would be fully fit, fully fit also psychologically, to give 100 per cent. I think nobody wants Enzo Fernández to stay. It’s time for him to go because he decided to go because he showed last season because of his comment that he wants to leave. So, bye-bye. Good luck.”
Chelsea are actively monitoring Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a potential replacement in the event of Fernández’s departure before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.
Goalkeeper Shakeup Sees Emiliano Martínez Arrive as Robert Sanchez Linked to Como
The squad overhaul extends beyond the midfield following high-profile defensive errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez during a match against Fulham. Leboeuf defended the club’s swift acquisition of Emiliano Martínez, who signed in the morning and started in goal that afternoon.
“Everybody made a statement about Robert Sanchez after what happened in the last game that he played and the goal he conceded,” Leboeuf stated to ESPN. “It was kind of an emergency and it’s why Emiliano Martínez signed. He signed in the morning and played in the afternoon. It’s only fair, that’s what it is. We play in a world of competition, and you have to accept that competition. It’s been a while since we warned everybody about Robert Sanchez’s consistency and that’s why they made that choice and very quickly.”
Sanchez is currently heavily linked with a transfer to Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas.
Managerial Stance and Upcoming Arsenal Clash
Manager Alonso addressed the media following the Brighton loss, confirming that squad selections were executed with the club’s long-term interests prioritized. Alonso admitted uncertainty regarding final roster changes ahead of the Tuesday deadline.
“We want the best for the team and that’s why we made the decision against Luton and today,” Alonso explained to reporters. “Anything that happens before Tuesday evening, we need to be aware of what is going to develop. We are not sure, we are preparing for all the scenarios. I am sure that whatever happens from Wednesday we will have a good enough squad to compete in all the Premier League games.”
With less than 24 hours remaining in the summer transfer window, Chelsea face a frantic final push to finalize outgoing deals, secure midfield reinforcements, and prepare for an upcoming away fixture against title favorites Arsenal.
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