Chelsea have three strong options to replace Enzo Fernandez, they could all be available in January
Chelsea may have to scramble in the transfer market to find a new midfield option for Enzo Fernandez if Real Madrid submit a monster bid that cannot be turned down.
Sources told Football Insider that Real Madrid are long-term admirers of Fernandez after impressing at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would only consider an offer in excess of £100million for Fernandez given he is one of Enzo Maresca‘s key men in the midfield.
In anticipation of a potential mouthwatering bid, Football Insider has picked out some enticing options the Blues should consider if they do decide to part with the Argentine.
Kobbie Mainoo – Man United
Sources told Football Insider that Man United are prepared to block any move for Kobbie Mainoo to leave the club in the upcoming transfer windows.
However, if the Blues acquired extortionate funds for Fernandez, they could submit a higher offer than expected to tempt the Red Devils to part with the 20-year-old.
The United academy graduate is desperately on the hunt for more regular game time and the chasm of the Argentina international leaving would satisfy that demand.
Whilst Mainoo hasn’t been unleashed as a box-to-box midfielder under Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim, there is potential for the youngster to thrive under Maresca.
At such a young age, the Englishman has an excellent engine that allows him to maraud his way through the midfield.
Operating at Stamford Bridge and following in fellow exiled former teammate Alejandro Garnacho, the number 37’s goal involvement would certainly increase as well.
Georginio Rutter – Brighton
Chelsea have a long standing obsession with Brighton and have signed countless prodigies over the years.
They could purge the Amex Stadium once more and sign Georginio Rutter to fill the void in the number 10 position at Stamford Bridge if Fernandez was to leave.
The Argentine had been used as more of a number eight but, due to Cole Palmer’s injury struggles this season, has found himself playing in a more advanced role.
The Frenchman is quietly proving himself to be one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars and hasn’t even reached his potential.
| Georginio Rutter 2024-25 stats in all competitions | |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Minutes played | 1,966 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Key passes | 23 |
Fabian Hurzeler famously rotates his squad and the 23-year-old could be getting frustrated with limited minutes on the south coast, given the immensely talented competition for the number 10 role.
A move to Chelsea would fit the Todd Boehly and co. recruitment style of signing exciting younger players to be part of the long-term future at the club.
An attacking threat and creative force, the ex-Leeds maestro could be an intriguing prospect for Maresca.
Lucas Paqueta – West Ham
A transfer which could infuriate West Ham fans, the Blues could size up a bold move to bring Lucas Paqueta to Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old was subject to intense transfer speculation last summer and the Hammers will be bracing for similar headlines in the upcoming January transfer window.
There has been no updates on a new deal for the Brazilian as well with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
That could force the Irons to part with their prized possession, playing straight into the hands of Chelsea.
Similar to Fernandez, Paqueta is a resilient and tireless box-to-box midfielder and would easily transition into Maresca’s side.
Although, his goal involvement numbers are still on the low side since arriving to the Premier League, his best season coming in the 2023-24 season with 15 goal contributions.
Yet, the Italian manager could be the key to unlocking the South American’s attacking threat and striking up a patriotic connection with fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro.